Castles 2 - Siege and Conquest

[Kosta]

Feel free to comment and discuss this game here. Also, if you have any useful tips or tricks don't hesitate to share them with the others! Thanks!

Review (http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/190)

[qwisp]

U guys rock. Ive played demos of the last two games u put up and loved them both. Shame im too tierd to play this now but first thing in the morning ill have DosBox going.

[revgb]

The game doesnt work for me in dos box too well, it works fine in win 2k but whenever i try to quit it crashes, despite that i jsut finished it the other day. i had alredy downloaded the game. U guys might have a better version tho.

Is the copyright bypassed in this version?? in mine u need to answer questions from the manual.

This is a relly great game, shame its not multiplayer ;p

[Kiddiarni]

there are some qestions..but i always guess...the game never quits or anything like that...so i guess it's offline..

[Dream]

Where are the copy protection answers?

[Kosta]

In the extras! didn't you see them?! :P :wink:

[Dream]

They weren't there. Anyway it's cool game! :D

[Tom Henrik]

In the extras! didn't you see them?! :P :wink:


You just added them! Don't try to tell people to be more perceptive, when they weren't there to begin with :twisted: :wink:

[Dan]

Hi everyone...

I have problems saving the game...

It tells me the game is saved but when I try to load it it tells me there are no savegames...

Anyone else with this Prob?

Greets, Dan

[Dream]

For me it loads ok, saving is ok too.



I wonder, how can I protect my kingdom from saboteurs and how does it come that my army is always so tiny when I defend my territory?

[Kiddiarni]

When you defend only half of your army is fighting <_<

Thats both good and bad, because if you lose, you only lose half of your forces and the defending forces are always 2 times their normal strength...

So if your army is big enough, the half shouldn't be very small and might be able to keep them away :D

[Dream]

Well...I always lost when I was defending y' know.


Anyway Castles I were maybe better.

[Kiddiarni]

mm..I didnt find that one :huh:

[revgb]

okay heres some tips when ever they attack you unless uve got a bigger army then them ur prolly better of retreating then just attacking them back, u can qipe them out using divide and conquer as long as u always retret when ur being attked u will only ever have to fight half of there army at a time with your full army - ie u have a huge advantage. The computer almost never retrets and when they do they let u kill some of there ppls first

also by policing the realm (in the milatary section) u can stop sabatours and spys, BUT uf u police the realm wiht like 4 milatary and they sabatour u with 6 i think they can still get thru, im not 100% on that

[Meeper]

Castles II may be interesting due to it's strategic elements (although there were far more engrossing strategic titles available in '92), Castles I was far more enjoyable despite only building one castle at a time.

Watching peon's actually build your castle was fantastic and being attacked before your castle was complete (and thus having missing sections that enemy forces could storm) added a great deal to the gameplay. Despite the additions that Interplay made for the sequel, the original was a vastly superior game.

[machwell]

Suddenly i cant attack anymore... I have realms revolting and I can't attack to take them back, i have a military rating of 7 and 7 archers, 7 infantery and 2 knights... what's wrong?

[Jimbo]

Castles is wicked! Used to own it but lost it movin house a few times.

I've downloaded Csatles II but i have no manual............. WHERE CAN I GET IT!!!!

Would really like a copy of castles I any ideas

I've been searching for years...

E-Mail me please before i rip out my hair!!!!

Cheers

Jimbo

nineinchjt@hotmail.com

[marko river]

Originally posted by machwell@Sep 14 2004, 10:07 PM
Suddenly i cant attack anymore... I have realms revolting and I can't attack to take them back, i have a military rating of 7 and 7 archers, 7 infantery and 2 knights... what's wrong?
I had same problem when Pope banished me (or whatever is a word). You know, when you can't apply for the throne anymore. A cross appears on that paper on the main screen. He do that when relation with Pope is under 3. Well, happiness of your people fall on 1 and untill you raise it to 3 you can't attack. If you like conquering (and I guess that most of you do) that shouldn't be much of a problem.
Realtions with Pope is lowered if you attack some opponent wich is "good" with Pope. Then, Pope will ask you for some money for your sins. If you pay him, relations will become better again, but it's damn expensive. When he excommunicate you, relation with him and happines are 1. You can then pay him twice to restore relations to 3 and then ask him to "put you back in buisness" or you can do it hard way :sneaky:
Quickly improve your happines to 3 and you are able to attack again, but Pope will not bother you anymore. So you can conquer whole country, even Pope's lands, to become a king. Or you can conquer great majority, and when you are rich enough, restore and very mucj improve relations with Pope and then ask him to proclaim you a king. I know most of you will be agressive, I understand that :D
Onley problem is, while you are at war, other rulers can become king, thanks to Pope offcourse.
Build castles to keep your lands from revolting. You don't need castle in every theritoy. Build base of the castle and when you are able to build it, you'll see that. I'm not quite sure what exactly you need for that.
As for the strategy "retreat and attack", or "Come to Kiza"-strategy (as it is known in my country), it is very effective here. I'm sure that defending units have double strength, but I doub it is effective when outnumbered. You can retreat and attack, and then group your knights and archers to attack one-by-one. They'll fall like a wheat under sickle-hook. If there is a castle, tell your knights to wait untill you break through the wall and then it is same. Your knights attack in group and they come one-by-one. Just make sure that after you kill one your knights don't just stupidly stand and look one of their brother fighting an enemy about half of yard beside them. :Titan:

[clueless]

how does dosbox work? :help: i can't get it tolet me play! :cry: could someone please help me! :help: my email is biter_beater@yahoo.com PLEASE!!

[Eagle of Fire]

I use VDMSound with XP and it works fine.

Do someone have the manual for this game? After playing it a few times my experience became frustrating at best. I am very good at the management part of the game but I can't help but get trashed as soon as I get attacked. A castle only slightly reduce the number of casualties...

If only they would be slowed down by walls and such... But they seems to be able to walk over water and climb walls like proffessionals... :rolleyes:

[Eagle of Fire]

Oh well, until someone can provide me with a manual I am just giving up on this game. Nothing seems to work, there is no explanation whatsoever to what is the difference in the different castle blocks (default, inward, outward, tower, etc), the ennemy can walk over water so you can't gain a clear advantage from building near water or by building moats and the advantage is clearly given to the attacker even if you do have a castle built.

It seems that the only way to win on this game is from attacking. It is unclear how I could manage that without angering the Pope tough.

[marko river]

Common man, if you're good at managment, I see no other problem. Lots of money and stocks mean much soldiers. Just produce knights and bowmen, (couple soldiers won't hurt too) and attack. You always attack with whole army and defend with half. When defending soldiers are twice as strong, but I see no use for that. Just attack quickly (read my previous post about Pope and happiness) and group your knights on side and attack his knights one-by-one (as much it is possible). I usually retreat and save my army when attacked and than counter-attack. Can't hurt if you have enough gold and iron. Give it a try, I was VERY confused with everything, just liked that part with those things that happenes to you (or your kingdom) from time to time. After some time I understood most of stuff in the game.

[Eagle of Fire]

I already understood most of the basic things, but a lot of obscure options remain hidden. For example, I managed to catch from the safety code that if you police the realm you are less likely to lose your money in the black market. That kind of thing can only be found in the manual, and I am sure that a lot of such options are simply "hidden" from us at the moment.

I played a game based on offense (which is really not my style) and I managed to grab half of the map with the only other King as my ally at 9. Then the option to "claim" appeared and I had no idea what that was. It failed and the other king claimed the Kingship of England for him and I lost.

Again, stupid option that I had no clue about led me to defeat... :rolleyes:

I think I prefer Castle instead of Castle 2. At least you had the advantage when defending. And it was more interesting to build your castle back then, which should be the main part of the game (but is not anymore).

[Lamo]

Ok, I got about 40 minutes or so into the game, and now I can't attack. What the heck. Everything else is normal.

[Lamo]

Never mind, I should have read more before posting

[Lamo]

How do I get the sound to work? I remember the music was sweet but I can't get it to work. Thanks.

[zam]

Use VDMSound

http://ntvdm.cjb.net/

[Guest]

Well ive just started playing it and yes i think i might try the retreat option if attacked then counter - another point - cant find the manual anywhere on the net so you just have to figure it out.

[GrimStone]

I hope someone reads this.

I have castles2 and I payed for it LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG tima go. the 3.5 disk was ruined. and i lost the book.

Found the game!
but for the life of me. i can not get it to build a castle. I lay out the design and everything. but it never adds a brick. the land revolts. and i have to stomp them again.

also. any way to make burgandy stop with the threats?
Give me gold and i wont attack you.

*shake fist* Bring it on!
Pope is mad.
pope wants gold.
pesents revolt.
Burgandy wants gold
pope wants gold

[Guest]

I have come to realise that this game is bull@#it.

the pope blessed all the AI and then BLEEDS you dry. in less than 5 min of time. "MY SINS" Cost me 8 gold. and all i had time to do was dig ONE GOD#$MN gold out of the #$cking ground.

mean time if the AI takes a piece of my land. oh well. but when i take it back. "Your Sins have not gone un noticed"
Anyone know a way arodn this?
other then NOT to play the Stupid @ss Game?

[Borodin]

I have come to realise that this game is bull@#it.

If it is, don't play it. That's my best advice. Any game that works you up so much is not worth the effort, however good others may find it.

the pope blessed all the AI and then BLEEDS you dry. in less than 5 min of time. "MY SINS" Cost me 8 gold. and all i had time to do was dig ONE GOD#$MN gold out of the #$cking ground.

What difficulty level are you on? I always tried to stay on the good side of the Pope, and at least one of the other contenders. It's been too long since I played to recall the details, but I found it relatively easy to win--too easy, in fact--pursuing a cautious strategy while building up an army.

[Donavan]

I am Confused, i cant get this to work. I downloaded it, and am assuming that i can just double click on the EXE.and the Dos thing also,( comes up with black screen) is this wrong if so do i need to install it... because cant get that to work either..... To add I last played this game like 92 93 i loved the Game i hope i still do.


Thanks if you can help
Running XP :help:

[Dethyl]

Originally posted by GrimStone@Jan 6 2005, 08:45 PM
I hope someone reads this.

I have castles2 and I payed for it LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG tima go. the 3.5 disk was ruined. and i lost the book.

Found the game!
but for the life of me. i can not get it to build a castle. I lay out the design and everything. but it never adds a brick. the land revolts. and i have to stomp them again.

also. any way to make burgandy stop with the threats?
Give me gold and i wont attack you.

*shake fist* Bring it on!
Pope is mad.
pope wants gold.
pesents revolt.
Burgandy wants gold
pope wants gold
To build a castle:
1. Layout the design, and exit to the main playing screen.
2. Click on the territory where you laid the castle design.
3. In the lower right corner of your screen( territory status), a 'build castle' option in green should appear. Click it.

***Note that this uses up one of your resource gathering slots unless you cancel the castle build or the castle is built completely.

What did you do? Just lay out the design and go on gathering resources, etc?
You need to tell your people to 'build castle' otherwise they'll just ignore the castle foundations that you laid out.

[Guest]

Originally posted by GrimStone@Jan 6 2005, 08:45 PM
also. any way to make burgandy stop with the threats?
Give me gold and i wont attack you.

*shake fist* Bring it on!
Pope is mad.
pope wants gold.
pesents revolt.
Burgandy wants gold
pope wants gold
Generally speaking, you should pick one enemy at a time, if you can, and hit them with everything but the kitchen sink.

Otherwise, try to keep other players as friends until it's time to put them on the chopping block, but never give them more than 1 gold.

As to the Pope...just keep bribing him at 2 gold a pop. If you get Blessed, other players will be hesitant to attack you. (And if they still do, their affiliation with the Pope is weakened.)

However, in the game as in history, the Pope is more of a vocal nuisance than a serious enemy. Keep him plied with gold and toss him a few chunks of useless land, and he'll be no bother.

[Some Dude]

I cannot find a manual for this game. Can someone post it, even in text format would be great?

Thanks.

[Dethyl]

Originally posted by Some Dude@Jan 28 2005, 06:44 AM
I cannot find a manual for this game. Can someone post it, even in text format would be great?

Thanks.
You don't need the manual, the game is simple enough to learn in a few minutes. As for copy protection, just click on 'codes' on the game page. It's located under the 'discuss this game' link. I thought that was rather obvious?

[goblins]

its a good game i beat it so i dont play anymore (on the hardest difficulty after 3 days of play) good to play it again after so many years but it would be good to have a castles 3 if the successor to interplay (whoever has the rights ever gets around to it)

[william_is_bob]

This game was pretty good, but interplay did not add more to the castle building aspect, as it is pretty much the same as castle 1. And there is no such a thing as terrain in the game, I built my castle next to water thinking that they can only attack from land side, so I put weak defences on the water side and guess what ? his army showed up over the blue things that I cannot build on, even his ballistas, and took my castle from the weak side, nice one interplay.

I played a AWSOME game a while ago that people who like this type of game would really love. I dont remember the title exactly, its something like 1066 AD or something, the year william invased england. ITs based in england, you can built castles too but you get to defend it in a 3D enviroment as you have built it. The strategy part is not complicated, jsut built farms and things, but after you get the economy going, your lord can go on tournement and adventures to get items, and finally attack london in a 3D enviroment to be king. I relly liked it, dont remember what I did with the game, on the old 48666.

W

[Guest]

Yea, Conqueror 1066. One of the best games ever, although managing your economy was very simplistic as was the AI, however that game is definitely on my top 10 list, highly recommended.

How can I get sound to work for Castles 2!?

[Wael]

Question,
Are you using dosbox?

[Guest]

Hey,

Um, I just downloaded VDM sound and I'm trying to figure it out as we speak (type).

[Crusader]

:kosta: :Titan: Battle in this game is all too simple, just employ Crusader's patented battering ram technique. Manually place all your soldiers of all types as high or as low on the map as possible, overlap them. When your units meet theirs, the unit in the forefront will be pushed back, and the next strongest unit will engage, thus, your enemy will have to damage all of your units before destroying a single one. You can overpower armies thrice your size with this manoeuver, especially on defence. Use it always to your advantage. It won't work in territories with castles, but if you already have a castle in a particular territory, you have a lesser, but still obvious advantage, make sure you have your maximum army at all times.

[Areckahn]

I remember there being a "speed up time" key in this game, however, I cant seem to find it now!
Does anybody know which key this is?

[ki||ah]

to speed in game, hold down right click... LOL

i also have a question of my own... :crazy:

i have no sound, i really want sound, what site do i go to and can sum1 please tell me wat i do when i download it (note: other sites ppl have told me, when i select them it says "error, canot find server") if you could please be accurate

Thanks :ok:

[vector]

Hi,

i've been trying to play this game for some time now.
Unfortunately there are some essential things i just cant figure out which keeps me from progressing.

- I cant build castles! Only when i start a fresh game i get the "build castle" button and the option to actually build the castle after i designed it.

- I always come to a point where i cant attack anymore. This holds true even after i have been attacked several times because of it.
I absolutely cant figure out why this does happen.

Unfortunately there seems to be no manual available on the net. Can anyone help me out here?
Would be cool, otherwise i would have to delete the game because i just cant progress. The games seems fund and i already spent some hours on it too. :yawn:

[vector]

does really nobody know?

[Guest]

To build castles, you need a green slot free after the castle has been designed. When the green slot is free, click on your realm and you should see a green 'build' button.

As for the pope, yes, he's a holy pain in the behind. The best way to get around him is to kill him. Its really fun, because fighting the pope is challenging as heck. If you beat him and everyone else, you get a different ending.

[MadMarius]

defenitly the best TBS ever plaied in my life...i love those events with the broom..the big sword..the blackpowder...great game when you get to build your'e first castle(and a great sensation too)..and i like beating the scheize out of those
who opose me taking thei're lands illegaly :angel: :twisted:
even if i couldn't get a ging..just a ballista n'd some pesky neighbours ... the game is very good :bannana:

[Guest]

How are able to download this game? All I see is the ESA icon. any help????

[A. J. Raffles]

Originally posted by Guest@Jul 11 2005, 10:21 PM
How are able to download this game? All I see is the ESA icon. any help????
Sorry, the ESA-icon means you can't download it.

[Guest]

Then why list it if you can't donwnload it. That is like telling someone hey get this game but you can't because of a bunch or rich laywers.

[A. J. Raffles]

Originally posted by Guest@Jul 19 2005, 06:33 AM
Then why list it if you can't donwnload it. That is like telling someone hey get this game but you can't because of a bunch or rich laywers.
There are other ways of "getting" things than getting them for free, you know...
Read my reply to your other post for the reasons why it does make sense to keep the reviews etc.: http://www.abandonia.com/forum/index.php?a...ndpost&p=132704 (http://www.abandonia.com/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=10&t=2796&hl=&view=findpost&p=132704)

[Guest_Napoleon]

someone posted the manual for this game... :w00t: http://www.sierragamers.com/bbs/BBSTopicPage.asp/t/4407/p/1

[BK]

I would like to install a CD version of Castles II but have NO IDEA how to choose audio hardware options that will work..... HELP!!!!!!!!!! javascript:emoticon(':wall:')
smilie:wall:

[A. J. Raffles]

Have you tried running it in DOSBox? You probably won't even need to install it.

[whatshisface]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oo!!!!!!!!
:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:
I loved the first and played it to death and didn't get the second because I was to busy playing it. Then I went on a vacation and forgot the mental note I made to myself to get the second. I remembered eventualy and found that ESA is protecting it.
Is there any way to obtain it from ESA? I will do anything to get this game!!

[A. J. Raffles]

Originally posted by whatshisface@Nov 19 2005, 11:31 PM
Is there any way to obtain it from ESA? I will do anything to get this game!!
Not really. They're basically a bunch of lawyers as far as I know, so they won't be much concerned with the games themselves. Ebay would probably be your best bet.

[whatshisface]

EDIT: Don't spam!
The game discusion forums are active. If no-one asked or replied something in one simply means there have been no problems or coments for that game. If you wanna tell jokes - there are several joke threads in the Blah, blah, blah forum!

[whatshisface]

Sorry, i have realy wanted castles (castles 2 would be great as well) so i have been trying to obtain it any way i can as fast as i can, and for the lawyer jokes sorry.
Also are there any sites that I can obtain castles 2 from besides abandonia.

[A. J. Raffles]

Originally posted by whatshisface@Nov 22 2005, 11:05 PM
Sorry, i have realy wanted castles (castles 2 would be great as well) so i have been trying to obtain it any way i can as fast as i can, and for the lawyer jokes sorry.
Also are there any sites that I can obtain castles 2 from besides abandonia.
There probably are, but we wouldn't be allowed to tell you.
Just go ahead and buy it if you want it that badly. There are several ebay sellers offering it for less than $5 (just search for "castles siege conquest") - that's a fair price for a game you love, isn't it?

[whatshisface]

:Brain: :D I found it and bought it on ebay!! And it just came today!!!
This probably seems pathetic but what the hell.
EDIT: Too many smileys! :angry:

[Toxik]

well,you can get castels 1

[Traininvain]

I had this game along time ago, on the game you could watch some really awesome (but rather useless) documentary snipits about English castles. Does anyone know either a) where I can find these videos or 2.) what documentaries they were from?

[Ansuru]

When I was just a kid, we had the demo for this game on our first computer. Always wanted to play the full version and see if I could win (demo didn't allow it :P)

Few years back, I found it in a bargain bin at the store so I picked it up and went home. Discovered it wasn't compatible with the new OS, so I shelved it. Month ago, PCGamer ran an article on DOSBox and I remembered it.

But I have no idea how to use it, and your tutorial only talks about how to set up a preconfigured game downloaded from the website. I have the CD, but no clue how to set it up right. I'm far from an expert with DOS, DOSBox, or any of that sort of thing, so anyone who IS, and is willing to help, please do!

[Straybow]

:wall: I have the CD but it seems it can't even be read by my DVD/CD drive. If I could make an image of it I think I could tell DOSBox that the a subdirectory is a "cdrom." But I can't even do that with this drive. It just says the CD is size 0 free space 0 and shows no contents.

[Sharp]

Originally posted by Traininvain@Dec 22 2005, 09:05 AM
I had this game along time ago, on the game you could watch some really awesome (but rather useless) documentary snipits about English castles. Does anyone know either a) where I can find these videos or 2.) what documentaries they were from?
Im afriad thats only available on the proper CD version, most download sites remove videos and excess so it takes less space. Unfortunately that takes out all the castle documentaries as well.

The only solution I can think of is to but the original version. Also on the original version you can use those pre-fabricated castles which saves time in designing. The documentaries are quite good and probably worth the same price as the game if you can find where to buy it.

I'l try and dig up my old CD and see where the documentaries are from.

[Ori]

so how do i download Castles 2?

[bruno]

If you read the last page you will see that this game was protect by Esa, and we can not have this game avaiable to download.

[Sebatianos]

Originally posted by Ori@Feb 12 2006, 03:31 AM
so how do i download Castles 2?
Sure.

1) - go to the main site and look for the game.
2) - find the big red NO-GO button.
3) Click on it and read the text carefully.
4) Find out, you are not allowed to download the game and why!

There's no step 5, because you can't get the game, so you can finally go for that walk in the park with a book under your arm and read it on a bench with the Sun warming your face. :ok:

[Guest]

I own this game and am trying to get it to work. Through Dos box when I run the c2cd exe it tells me it couldn't find the cd-rom, although I've already mounted it. Any suggestions?

[bruno]

Did you have the install in the drive C:, if not you might have to do.... :angel:

[Snake_Plissken]

One of the greatest strategy games I ever played... The music, graphics ahh, nostalgia :ok:

[Guest]

Originally posted by Kosta@Aug 24 2004, 07:25 PM
Feel free to comment and discuss this game here. Also, if you have any useful tips or tricks don't hesitate to share them with the others! Thanks!

Review (http://www.abandonia.com/game.php?ID=190)
I played this game alot years ago. I almost never defended a territory unless I had enough men to fight with half and still have a fighting chance. If you group your men very close together they tear up the opponents, especially if you position them on an extreme corner where the enemy comes at you one at a time. Knights are particularly vulnerable to a tight group of soldiers. Knights in a group are very powerful. Try building your castles with the tower surrounded by a tiny single wall and build the rest of the castle on the opposite side of the screen, if you lose the castle to a powerful enemy it is still easy to recapture because the majority of the defenders will end up in the large empty part of the castle and not be able to intercept you attacking the tower. Never leave your solders where the computers puts them, they are spread to wide and on opposite sides of the castle. clump them tightly together and give them all the same target to keep them together so they fight better. Each solder gets only so many hits before they die and as a group the hits are distributed where in one on one fighting a solder can die from the total hits. If you get good try taking over all the popes lands, he'll excommunicate you and you'll have to bring your people's happiness up again in order to fight but if you win they have special screens and titles for you!

[tomf]

Hey glad to see that the ESA has let you put the game up for download again but I have a question

Is there a way to invade someone's territory without the pope getting angry?

I loved the castle game when I first got it thanks for putting these great games up :kosta:

[jon316]

hmm...I'm confused on what to do on the dosbox...It tells me that pretty much everything I do is an invalid command.

[The Fifth Horseman]

Try having a look at the official FAQ (http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php) on the DosBox site.
Basic Setup and Installation (http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php?page=Basic+Setup+and+Installation+of+Dos Box)
Command Line (http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php?page=CommandLine)
Z instead of C at the command prompt (http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php?page=FAQ%2FI+have+got+a+Z)
Internal Programs (http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php?page=Internal+Programs) (important, especially MOUNT)
Most of the stuff in there is not really needed.
The mounting of your DosBox games directory, switching the promt to the emulated C: drive and clearing the screen from previous commands can all be executed from the [autoexec] section of dosbox.conf, so you won't have to re-type them every time round.
Frontend programs (http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php?page=DOSBoxFrontends) can help running DosBox with varying configurations for different games.
For both a more accessible user interface and oldschool feel, you can use Norton Commander (get it from our programs and utilities page (http://www.abandonia.com/main.php?nav=programs) - scroll down to the bottom to find it). NC might seem awkward at first, but in fact it is a very functional genuine DOS era file manager frontend. It has a plethora of functions that will help you in navigating around the directories, while still retaining the command prompt. While I don't use it with DosBox myself, I can't deny its usefulness and will decidedly utilise it on my DOS machine.

[Guest]

alright, well I tried to run castles2 off of the extraction from the zipped folder.

The game said that a file isn't found. a C2intro.lbm
I guess I won't be playing this game now :P

[Shrek]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Guest @ Jun 23 2006, 06:05 PM) 239178</div>
alright, well I tried to run castles2 off of the extraction from the zipped folder.

The game said that a file isn't found. a C2intro.lbm
I guess I won't be playing this game now :P
[/b]
H?m... you can't run it from the zip folder :blink:
It must be extracted to a folder on your HDD or it won't work.
If you run it from the zip folder, windows will only extract the exe file to a temporary folder, so the main program won't find the rest of the files.

[Guest]

nah, that's not what I meant. However, two minutes after I finished that last post I figured out what I was doing. No worries.

[Arlieth]

Shoot. Are there any hex edits or patches to the game that prevents anyone from claiming the throne? I want to take over the entire map but Valois or Burgundy always claim, and then it's too late to conquer them. =/

[bigbadmonster]

i dont have this game but probably who likes it will LOVE Stronghold with all their powers

[Guest]

hi guys, I can't load saved games in castles 2 with D-Fend (v 2.0.62 build 42) and dosbox 0.65.

I have C: mounted as C: (this was done automatically by the wizard in dfend). When I save, the savefile appears in my game directory (C:\DOS\c2inst) however when I go to load a savegame castles 2 says there are no savegames available. I assume this is a working dir problem.

I have tried using the install program but it won't read the mounted floppy image (mounted via "mount a c:\dos\c2inst"). Any ideas?

[The Fifth Horseman]

You mount floppy images in Dosbox using IMGMOUNT command. Read up here. (http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php?page=Internal+Programs%2FImgMount)

And, if you are using D-Fend and have problems... don't use D-Fend.

[manicdepression]

I flicked thru this post but couldnt find anything helpful about the copy protection questions. Is there anywhere I can get all the answers to these questions, ive looked all over the net. Thanks.

[linis]

i need help in geting up your army , i can't get anything better than archers and infanary ,can anyone tell me how to do that , aslo sry for mistakes mine english speaking is not good enought for forums :sos: :wallbash:

[linis]

oh about strongold , this first its version is werry oposite the next one like stronghold 2 or "stronghold 1" that is use for pc , i can say that in castles 2 , there is 1 bug , when u moat your castle , there is no bridge there where u place gates , so how can ppl go in and out ? swim :huh: well if even this , it not contain on that time techs :butcher:

[linis! again!!!]

i have red the older posts and saw that there is same music , or sounds dunno , in mine game there is no sound , no music , nothing at all. any suggestions? what to do to get it ? :whistling: the one way i have doned mine self , mine mouth :brain:

[_r.u.s.s.]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(linis! again!!! @ Jul 7 2007, 11:14 PM) 298406</div>
i have doned mine self , mine mouth :brain:
[/b]
:hysterical:
sorry

oh btw, to get sounds the working you need to use dosbox

[linis ......]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(_r.u.s.s. @ Jul 8 2007, 01:37 AM) 298435</div>
:hysterical:
sorry
[/b]

yep thats a little funny (not a little but in mine age i said big nut) :brain: , the problem about knights and balista's i have made mine self out , so no more help needed :thanx: :tease:

[_r.u.s.s.]

did you get the sound working?

[linis]

ok heres a thing , about dosbox , i got in on mine pc but i cant get mine castles 2 in dosbox , dunno how to run it , i saw the training that is here , done everything , but still cant :huh: anyone can tell me how to get mine castles work?

[Donners]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bigbadmonster @ Sep 17 2006, 03:34 AM) 255504</div>
i dont have this game but probably who likes it will LOVE Stronghold with all their powers
[/b]

Actually, I much prefer Castles. The little subplots are fascinating and really engrossed me in the game.

[The Fifth Horseman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(linis @ Jul 9 2007, 09:49 PM) 298705</div>
ok heres a thing , about dosbox , i got in on mine pc but i cant get mine castles 2 in dosbox , dunno how to run it , i saw the training that is here , done everything , but still cant :huh: anyone can tell me how to get mine castles work?
[/b]
A Beginner's Guide to DOSBox (http://www.abandonia.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=14913)

[linis]

werry werry werry werry big big thanks , now i done it i got sount yeppy , i had a little problems but in 10 mins make it out mine self , werry big thanks again :brain: :thanx: :thanx: :thanx: :thanx: :thanx:

[Rett]

Hmm, I can't find in the game what soundcard it likes best. What Dosbox settings work best for you guys to get sound?

[Mighty Midget]

The default soundcard in the DOSBox config file is Soundblaster 16 adresse220, irq 5 dma 1 hma(hdma) 7

Open the configuration file for DOSBox and look at the options there (SB 16 was a pretty heavy soundcard at it's time)

[Rett]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mighty Midget @ Jul 17 2007, 01:11 AM) 299765</div>
The default soundcard in the DOSBox config file is Soundblaster 16 adresse220, irq 5 dma 1 hma(hdma) 7

Open the configuration file for DOSBox and look at the options there (SB 16 was a pretty heavy soundcard at it's time)
[/b]

I have it set to that, but still no sound. It's odd.

sbtype=sb16
sbbase=220
irq=5
dma=1
hdma=7
mixer=true
oplmode=auto
oplrate=22050

I've never had this many problems with game sound. I always thought the game was mute.

[_r.u.s.s.]

isnt there music only in the game?

[Guest]

how do you get the cut scenes to work

[_r.u.s.s.]

i have a feeling that this version is ripped. so you wont get cutscenes to work

[PaxRuss]

Why is it that their is no sound? Is their anything I can do to get it in WinXP?

[_r.u.s.s.]

people, can you please.. read the topic before asking. there isnt any speech or anything at all, only music. and if you dont have that one niether you should use dosbox instead of running it in pure xp

[bones]

are there any hints or cheats for this game for the pc. maybe even a strategy guide?

[Guest]

I keep getting an error on the install about inserting a "startup disk" that I don't have, both in XP and Dosbox. Any hints?

[Guest]

... this game is v hard.. revolt happen a lot even when i have a lot of castle -_-; i dont get how u can havw only 1 castle for 4-5 provinces... i have to build 1 for each..

and that is times consuming then a huge army attack me T-T

Help~~~ any good tips on this?

[Guest]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Guest @ Sep 21 2007, 06:21 AM) 312202</div>
... this game is v hard.. revolt happen a lot even when i have a lot of castle -_-; i dont get how u can havw only 1 castle for 4-5 provinces... i have to build 1 for each..

and that is times consuming then a huge army attack me T-T

Help~~~ any good tips on this?
[/b]

A 100+ Point Castle will prevent revolts in the tile it is built in and all the tiles surrounding the tile that it is built in (as well as doubling the amount of resources able to be harvested from its own tile i.e. 2 instead of 1 Gold, Wood, Iron or Food).

A 50+ Point Castle will prevent revolts only in the tile it is built in (as well as doubling the amount of resources able to be harvested from its own tile i.e. 2 instead of 1 Gold, Wood, Iron or Food). This also includes 100+ Point Castles that have been Sabotaged below 100 Points.

So if a tile does not have a Castle in it, or does not touch a tile you own with a 100+ Point Castle in it, it will revolt. Plan your Castles and your Kingdom so 100+ Point Castles touch as many tiles as possible and double think capturing vacant tiles that would require another Castle to be built , especially early in the game.

As for strategy, happy Armies defeat unhappy Armies, Knights defeat Infantry and Archers (even in Castle battles), and because defending Armies have only half their regular strength, attacking Armies defeat defending Armies.

So keep a happy Army, get Knights ASAP and lots of them, and always retreat when attacked.

After retreating counter attack. Now you have the advantage of a full Army. Try to counter attack with two attacks at the same time, and your enemy will soon have their Army reduced to 1/4 of its strength. Without an Army they will become easy pickings, so continue the attack while they're down and take them out of the game.

Other tips:

Play as Aragon, you usually only have to face Anjou and Burgundy as you start, plus you can usually seal off a perimeter quickly and comfortably.

In battles I find it best to stack all your troops together so they will always outnumber the enemy when they make contact. In open battles stack them at the extreme top or bottom so they encounter the enemy one on one. In Castle battles make sure your Knights are stacked together close to the Castle door.

[FalkusKiber]

http://rapidshare.com/files/71526425/Castles_II_-_Manual_-_PC.pdf.html

Sorry i forgot to rar it :(

edit:

oh btw found it on an abandonware site, then lost the link unfortunately, so i upped it to rapidshare - i can't give credit unfortunately cos i cant remember who it was

edit 2: btw, the game works fine for me on xp pro as long as i set it to win95 compatibility mode - but only on my laptop, i have to use dosbox on my desktop O_o

[fbskiracer63]

How do you start with the the increased military? I forget.

[RettMikhal]

Wow, I finally did it.

This game was impossible for me to beat as a kid, even on Easy. Now, through sheer determination and boredom at my job, I have done just that. Impossible. I beat this game... on Impossible difficulty. Neutral Territories have 10 archers and 6 infantry? Yep. Dealt with it. Pope comes knocking every month and demands 4 gold? I was blessed. Burgundy came all the way from the opposite side of the world with 19 men into my precious Albion? Beat him back.

Lose 5 knights/archers for every saboteur? Build more. All the Iron is on the other side in Burgundy's domain? Took it. Valois has 20 strong army and all siege weapons? Defended.

Aragorn refused to die in his one territory and somehow made an army 30 units strong (which is bull, how could he AFFORD to pay for them, or feed them, AND raise them, with just one territory of iron, no blessing, and no allies. Black Market?) Whittled him down. Beat him back. Lovin' it.

Oh, yeah, and for all those stupid donations I had to put up with, I killed the Pope. Don't worry, I ceded a section of land for him... and then I killed him on it. On the field, not in the castle, is where the last stand should be, with 30 archers on my side and 20 knights.

My job REALLY needs to stop paying me to sit in a cube. It's becoming dangerous.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/Rett8/Castles2.gif

[Flipper405]

Nice work, I haven't even actually beat it on easy yet, much less impossible.

anyway, my question is about the saves.
I can't get either save games or the saved castle layouts to work right under dosbox. The thing is, they are saving fine - the files are showing up in the directory AND if I try to save something with the same name, it says overwrite? cause it exists with that name already.

However, I can't load anything - the game doesn't recognize them at all. The weird thing is if I try to run the game without dosbox, it works fine...although I don't get any sound at that point. I guess I could just go get VDMsound but I was wondering if anyone knew a way to get them to work in dosbox. I'm using d-fend as well if that makes any difference. thanks.

[Flipper405]

Nice work, I haven't even actually beat it on easy yet, much less impossible.

anyway, my question is about the saves.
I can't get either save games or the saved castle layouts to work right under dosbox. The thing is, they are saving fine - the files are showing up in the directory AND if I try to save something with the same name, it says overwrite? cause it exists with that name already.

However, I can't load anything - the game doesn't recognize them at all. The weird thing is if I try to run the game without dosbox, it works fine...although I don't get any sound at that point. I guess I could just go get VDMsound but I was wondering if anyone knew a way to get them to work in dosbox. I'm using d-fend as well if that makes any difference. thanks.

Ok, just figured it out... the directory name was castles_2, which of course is not recognized very well in DOS. Changed it to castles2 and it's working :laugh:


WHAT A GREAT GAME!! :amused:

[Renegade246]

The game doesnt work for me in dos box too well, it works fine in win 2k but whenever i try to quit it crashes, despite that i jsut finished it the other day. i had alredy downloaded the game. U guys might have a better version tho.

Is the copyright bypassed in this version?? in mine u need to answer questions from the manual.

This is a relly great game, shame its not multiplayer ;p

Ya I tottaly agree with you the copyright sucks i play for about 6 turns and then "A messanger comes refusing to leave unless you answer this 1 question"
I get it wrong and then it shows a picture of a torture master killing me or something and i cant find extras on the download list

[Taskr36]

Can anyone here explain exactly what they did to get this game to work? I've tried DOSBox so many times and I'm getting nothing. It installs, but just crashes when I try to run the game. Everything else works fine in DOSBox. I've tried Windows XP with compatibility mode for Windows 98 and 95 with no luck. I've also tried using Virtual PC to run a virtual machine with Windows 98 and work from there. That worked for one day and now it won't work anymore there either. I have my original Castles 2 CD and not some downloaded copy. Can anyone tell me the secret to making this work?

[The Fifth Horseman]

Which version of DOSBox? What is your mount configuration? What did you enter in the sound config?

[Taskr36]

Wow, thanks for such a fast response. I'm using DOSBox 0.72 (latest version). I have my actual CD drive mounted as D: in dosbox as a cdrom. After installing the game when I attempt to run it I get the message "Couldn't find CD-ROM!! Make sure your drive is turned on and your CD-ROM driver is loaded. press any key to return to dos.

The CD-ROM is properly mounted since there is no problem installing the game from the CD-ROM in DOSbox. I also tried just copying the CD into a folder and mounting that folder as the CD ROM, but after installing from there attempting to run the game just turns the screen black.

Either way, the options to config the sound never actually come up since the game never really starts.

[The Fifth Horseman]

I have my actual CD drive mounted as D: in dosbox as a cdrom. After installing the game when I attempt to run it I get the message "Couldn't find CD-ROM!! Make sure your drive is turned on and your CD-ROM driver is loaded. press any key to return to dos.
Exact syntax of MOUNT commands used for your C and D mounts, please.

Either way, the options to config the sound never actually come up since the game never really starts.
Is there another EXE, COM or BAT file in the game directory? Run it.

The CD-ROM is properly mounted since there is no problem installing the game from the CD-ROM in DOSbox. I also tried just copying the CD into a folder and mounting that folder as the CD ROM, but after installing from there attempting to run the game just turns the screen black.
That it installs fine is one thing. That it doesn't recognize the CD-ROM drive is another, which is why I want to know how did you mount it.

[Taskr36]

This is so bizzare but the game is actually working now *crosses fingers*. My last attempt was when I mounted a folder as the cd rom and before replying I remounted it as the actual cd drive again to copy the syntax for you. Perhaps I'd done something wrong in the original attempt to mount since it is now working. Either way thank you very much for the help and now I can get back to playing my ancient game. Yay!

[Taskr36]

Just curious, does anyone have any special tips or tricks to give? I've scoured the web and found only one FAQ which really didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. I can occasionally win the game in easy, but one guy here beat it on impossible. Since easy is a struggle for me there must be some tactics used to win it that I don't know.

[kd]

Does anybody out there know where to download a quick reference card for castles II??? Lucky for me I gave this and the rest of my 10 year collection of mac software and macs from the 80s and 90s to my brother (who then managed to throw it all away-- doh!).

Believe it or not, from what I remember, not all the info on the card is in the manual (btw, the manual is pretty easily found on the net, sounds like some folks here need to read it :)

Thanks for posting the game-- it's great. Brushing the rust off my nearly two decade old mad castles skills.

Someone asked about general strategy tips. Here you go:

1. Don't be afraid to say no. When papal/rival diplomats come, don't take the first offer. That being said, giving up only 1 gold for improved relations is *nearly always* a good thing. If you get a relations rating of 7 with the pope you are 'blessed'-- rivals may think twice about attacking you.

2. Scout the territories around you in the very beginning of the game to find out who your neighbors are. Try to shore up relations with your immediate neighbors quickly, if possible, and always try to spend 1 gold or less to improve those relations. This buys you time to build your forces before you later betray your neighbors :)

3. Find gold as fast as possible and start refining. There are plenty of the other resources for the first year or so, but gold goes fast. If I'm not spawned on gold, I scout the neighboring territories while adding an archer unit to start the game. As soon as I find gold I attack that territory and, if possible, make that the center of my territories. This way my first castle can be a 100 hundred point castle which serves to both double production and keep the surrounding territories fro revolting (50 pts to double production/100 to 'police' the immediately surrounding territories).

4. Before building my first castle, I try to have:
a). decent relations with my neighbors (5+).
b). 5 archers/5 infantry
c). Enough resources to pay the soldiers (food/gold) after paying for the
castle.

5. If you have military/diplomatic points you don't know what to do with, put a couple of them into an administrative task. For example, you have 6 military points but are full up on soldiers, aren't attacking, and aren't policing. Assign a couple of those points to harvesting resources. Military points aren't optimized the same way they would be if used for a military task, however, they do help your potential in that category grow -- and it beats leaving them idle. Just be sure to leave enough points for important tasks that may arise (though you can always cancel the administrative task to get all your potential back).

So, does anyone have a quick reference card???? :)

[rozp89]

Where'd the download link gone?? :(

Roz

[Luchsen]

It's sold, so you can't download it here. http://www.abandonia.com/files/images/sold.gif

[TheChosen]

Gone, because its now available at Goodoldgames.com

EDIT: @Luchen: Which one you are: Flash or Quicksilver?

[Luchsen]

Erm, neither of them, I'm Luchsen. And at first I was even confused: "Interplay had only 10 years of protection!?" Stupid sold button/link bug...

[neo777]

i dont see any download for this game:omg: for castles,is there a download link?

[The Fifth Horseman]

It's sold on www.gog.com

[Luchsen]

New record! :1stplace:
#2 and #3 of the pre-posts answering our favourite question. Or would #1 only rank higher? I would go for a tie. :1stplace: :1stplace:

[Borodin]

Thank the gods I kept my original store copy from years ago. It was a fun game, much better than the original Castles.

[jasonbew]

How do you download Castles 2 ? The download button is inactive and just has No 90 on it ? What's that mean ?

Thanks.

[The Fifth Horseman]

FYI, that's "NO GO". As to why:
It's sold on www.gog.com

[Borodin]

We really should place bets on how long this thread will remain quiet before another person posts they can't download the title, you know. ;)

[Fierhorn]

I found an old copy of this game but for some reason it keeps wanting to install on my D: and E: drive witch are my CD drives. I can not no matter what I do get it to install on C:........anyone that can help please do so.

thanks

Michael

[Vanshilar]

This was one of my favorite games from way way back! I remember going through and beating the game on impossible as each of the different families.

One tip/cheat that I haven't seen mentioned elsewhere is that the merchant option doesn't check for whether or not you have sufficient resources when you trade. So you can still trade away your timber for gold even if you have 0 gold.

Also, just about all abilities (except scout) will help to increase your adm/mil/dip ratings, but the fastest one is merchant. So you can also increase your ratings more quickly by trading away resources you don't have.

Another is that some tasks such as food, timber, and attack take twice as long to complete in winter (Oct to Feb I think) compared with their usual rate, so you should try to do them in summer instead; stick to iron and gold in the winter, for example.

Lastly, I've always just gone for a mass number of archers. Archers grouped into a bunch take out everything including knights, especially when you start them in the corner of where you're allowed to place them (so that the enemy comes at you only a few at a time rather than all at once).

Has anyone gone through and looked at how the plots worked? I know that there's one that gets you an additional rating point in each of the categories (the "Etienne the spy" one) but I don't know if there are other "good" plots out there.

Unfortunately, I can't help much with install issues -- on all the machines I've had, the game worked fine when I simply ran the castles2.exe file, I've never had to use the install.exe file (or maybe that was too long ago).

[Maxor127]

This was a fun game. I liked coming up with castle designs. And I liked the events that popped up.

[gumpy]

A fun castle building, and conquest game. :max:

[xxTHEWARFREAKxx]

i don't know how you beat it on impossible. i get OWNED EVERY TIME I PLAY. ive beaten it on easy trying on hard. off topic but any of you guys played ufo enemy unknown

[Aren]

Dear Friends,

After seeing the posts about Castle's II I couldn't help but add in my own review and thoughts/reflections about one of the best games ever made. (yes I am bias)

First I want to start off by saying that my parents got this game for me when I was in like 3rd grade at a booksale in my Elementary school and I have played it off and on for almost 20 years. I've played lots of different games of various types but I keep on being drawn back to Castles II. It has a special place in my heart and for a few of my friends it has become sort of a cult classic.

What made me get so attached to this game was the fact that it is difficult to master. Even the easiest difficulty can be challenging at first.
The two other difficulties Hard and Impossible are both fun in their own way.
I beat the Impossible difficulty before the Hard because the Impossible is much more intense military wise while Hard is much easier to beat militaryi-wise unless you have some diplomatic strategy in my opinion.


After about 20 years of playing the game I have come to realize that there is A LOT more strategy to the game than people might first realize. The review mentions that combat is very simple. I have to disagree.

I do not want to give up the game secrets but everything can be honed in the game from resources/allocations to the combat.

The combat is very complex. Archers standing in trees for example shooting out at soldiers on the plains do much better offensively than archers in the open shooting into trees. Also the different terrains totally change the speeds at which the different units move. Because many battles take place on a field with different terrains, one would want to position their troops in a way that they have the best cover or maneuverability. The positioning and formation of soldiers can totally win or lose a battle. Again, I'm not going into too many specifics but the composition of soldiers that the enemy has vs your composition of soldiers- unit moral (happiness) and offense/defence - home field advantage, terrain...gods it gets so complicated. Number of archers... starting position. The fact that if you are defending you get to decide over what terrain the battle takes place.

Well I guess that is what lit a fire under my-

I hope you guys enjoy the game and I'd recommend it to anyone!

Good luck!

-Aren

[Borodin]

I have to agree with Aren. This is one of *the* prime game candidates for a modern do-over, in my opinion. It really had a very solid, complex strategy/RPG/sim engine underneath, and good combat rules.

[tristanzz]

This post is old, but I'm interested in hearing about some plots too.


Has anyone gone through and looked at how the plots worked? I know that there's one that gets you an additional rating point in each of the categories (the "Etienne the spy" one) but I don't know if there are other "good" plots out there.

I remember some from when I was plodding along building castles after conquering every territory.

The plot dealing with civil unrest and corruption can bring some points in. I think I remember that when you choose to fight corrupt judges, you gain an admin point and lose a political point (vice versa if you side with the nobility instead). Could be useful, since the admin points are harder to achieve than political points owing to merchant tasks.

Arinseult the philosopher brings in a point if you recruit him. I think it's admin.

If you drive away all the bees, you get happiness points. I think you need to "send for the bee charmer," or something. This could be great early on. Spending a couple gold to get happiness is far better than having to run the task.

I can't remember exactly what material rewards you get when you diffuse a situation between your troops and their girls, but in one of the possible endings you get laid :max:


Is there a really bad plot? Mercurato and the search for the kingdom of Prester John. Don't bother. The thing lasts over a year and during that time you will be steadily sending out commodities and troops. Once everything's assembled, I believe there are three possible endings depending on where you choose to investigate. In one your whole expedition gets whiped out, in another, you get a rather dinky number of troops all your troubles, and the happy ending gives you something like 10 of each commodity and multiple military points. But it isn't worth it. You can put all the expenses to better, earlier use at home.

[Guest]

Is there a really bad plot? Mercurato and the search for the kingdom of Prester John. Don't bother. The thing lasts over a year and during that time you will be steadily sending out commodities and troops. Once everything's assembled, I believe there are three possible endings depending on where you choose to investigate. In one your whole expedition gets whiped out, in another, you get a rather dinky number of troops all your troubles, and the happy ending gives you something like 10 of each commodity and multiple military points. But it isn't worth it. You can put all the expenses to better, earlier use at home.

It is really expensive and time consuming (the secret society plot takes the same amount of time but does a lot of good with little expense), but it is not bad at all if you know what you are doing. When you actually get to a rich kingdom in Africa (not Prester John's actually), you get the opportunity to trade with them.

There are several options of trading ("X food for Y gold", etc.), and here is where my inner munchkin kicked in. I figured this out almost 15 years ago, and I do have it written down somewhere, but I don't remember the details.

Following a certain combination of trades (I had found out the optimal one) you can get all commodities to 99. If anyone is interested and can't figure it out (it is a bit difficult to crunch the numbers) I'll try to find my notes or rebuild them.

[Guest]

hey all... does anyone have an up-to-date link with the game manual? Or is it only me who ends up dying because I get asked questions that reference it? (The "think you are an imposter..." etc. questions) Getting very annoyed, because I also can't figure out how to stop the credits from playing all the way through before I restart!

[MikeM]

Holy ***, what a nostalgia bomb. For some reason I remembered this game two days ago and I just had to play it again. I think I got this game around 1995 and I spent the better part of the late nineties and early noughties trying to beat it -- not once. Even in the best case scenarios where I managed not to get steamrolled by the other lords, some other bastard would get proclaimed king and send me off to the chopping block. That is, in those games when I didn't get excommunicated, invaded and sabotaged into oblivion.

So yesterday, rather than pay attention to my tedious, boring work, I fired up an emulator with the intention of beating the damn thing. I played all morning -- beaten. I started again. 18 years later and with thousands of hours of strategic wargame experience under my belt, I still found the game to be as devilishly hard as it used to be. I looked up all kinds of hints and tricks - I spammed savegames to rescue me from disaster - I relied on every cheap trick in the book. Retreat, counterattack, stack all your units into an improbably small bunch on the enemy's flank. Refine gold like crazy, bribe the Pope, spy on the enemy, apply for king, get rejected, apply again...

And then, it happened. The word spread like wildfire throughout Bretagne -- "Burgundy is the new king!"

As the lame victory screen displayed, telling me my score, I sat back in awe and confusion. I had finally beaten Castles II. It was the end of an era.

[Phillip of Burgandy]

Anyone seeking this game out should be aware that there are two versions of it available.

The original diskette version of the game, which is what this version is, is essentially an unwinnable nightmare. The computer Lords do not follow the same rules the player is bound by. For instance, they can send wave after wave of no-fail saboteurs against your kingdom without having it affect their own resources. They can police their realms indefinitely without it reducing their happiness. As for the diplomacy system, it is all but non-functional, making alliances out of the question. The Lords will betray and attack you randomly even if you have a rating of 9 with them. Not that you are likely to reach 9 since your ratings start out so low. Once you are at war (and you will be) it is for all practical purposes impossible to appease them through diplomacy, although that won't stop them from sending demand after demand for gold.

The CD version of the game, which was released maybe a year after the original diskette version, patched a lot of these problems. Your starting values for relations with other Lords are much higher, making it possible to form alliances. The computer is less wonky about sending the endless waves of uber ninja across your borders. The Pope will also no longer get randomly pissed off at you for attacking other Lords (unless they are Blessed, which you can find out by holding a Council), and best of all, if your ally wins, you get the "second place" victory where you hold a high position in his court. The CD version is also fully voiced, has cut scenes for all the (optional) plot sequences, and has a ton of video about historical castles!

The downside of the CD version is that those historical castles are available to be built in place of castles you the player design. And these historical castles come with little bonuses... building one increases your realms happiness. Building another improves your archers. Etc. This means in a game that is supposed to be all about designing your own awesome fortresses, you are actually being punished for doing so since player designed castles have no special advantages.

Not that it really matters, because if both versions of the game have one critical flaw, it is just how little castle design really impacts the game. It always just comes down to the siege engines knocking down the walls... there is no "siege" involved. No tactics.

Another massive downside of both versions of the game is how stupid it is to try to defend a castle rather than just retreat and retake it. When you get attacked, you only have 50% of your troops. When you attack the enemy, the enemy only has 50% of his troops. It only costs 1 Iron to attack. So why would you EVER try to hold a castle?

For a classic era DOS game, Castles 2 is pretty fun. But don't expect Crusader Kings level complexity here. Even in the CD version, the games systems are really simplistic and the computers algorithms and "strategy" gets pretty transparent.

[Vanshilar]

I've recently cracked the save game files, so now I can read through the data that's saved for the game. I'm still working on figuring out what each byte means, but at least I can look up the values. I've already figured out stuff like what task everyone is doing, how much resources and army units each faction has, etc. So let me know if you have questions on stuff.

In theory I could also edit the save game files, but it takes some doing because of how the file is encoded; eventually it should be easy to do with a program, but I'm not quite there yet.

Additionally, a number of the data files such as the terrain maps for each territory and information about the different tasks can be directly edited.

I haven't figured out the plots yet.

In messing around with the game files, it turns out that you can play as the Pope! I haven't really explored this though so don't know how it might break the game. But the first byte of OPTIONS.DAT is the faction that you want to be for the game. In the game, the factions are 0 = Valois, 1 = Anjou, 2 = Albion, 3 = Burgundy, 4 = The Pope, 5 = Aragon, 6 = UNKNOWN, 7 = Neutral. So if you set the first byte of OPTIONS.DAT to "4", it'll allow you to play as the Pope. (Trying to play as UNKNOWN or Neutral seems to give you garbage, though, even if the game doesn't crash.)

Anyone seeking this game out should be aware that there are two versions of it available.

The original diskette version of the game, which is what this version is, is essentially an unwinnable nightmare. The computer Lords do not follow the same rules the player is bound by. For instance, they can send wave after wave of no-fail saboteurs against your kingdom without having it affect their own resources. They can police their realms indefinitely without it reducing their happiness. As for the diplomacy system, it is all but non-functional, making alliances out of the question. The Lords will betray and attack you randomly even if you have a rating of 9 with them. Not that you are likely to reach 9 since your ratings start out so low. Once you are at war (and you will be) it is for all practical purposes impossible to appease them through diplomacy, although that won't stop them from sending demand after demand for gold.

Um as far as I know I'm playing the diskette version of the game and I don't have a problem beating it on impossible. The computer players are limited in the same way as human players (can only have 2 tasks per area at a time, etc.), although yes they can get a discount on tasks (they can get one resource for free if they're missing it when they want to do a task). You don't see all the times when they send saboteurs that die en-route, you only see the ones that succeed. Policing the realm takes up one of their military tasks. I don't think I've had a computer attack me once I get to 8 or higher relations with them (maybe they do once I claim, forgot), a relations of 8 or 9 essentially means "allied". The Pope only gets pissed at you for attacking someone if they're already blessed (relations of 8 or 9 with the Pope).

I haven't played the CD version (i.e. pre-made castles with bonuses) so can't comment on them. But if you find it to be an "unwinnable nightmare" yet say the strategy gets "pretty transparent" then I'd say there's more you still have to learn about the game.

[Eagle of Fire]

Um as far as I know I'm playing the diskette version of the game and I don't have a problem beating it on impossible. The computer players are limited in the same way as human players (can only have 2 tasks per area at a time, etc.), although yes they can get a discount on tasks (they can get one resource for free if they're missing it when they want to do a task). You don't see all the times when they send saboteurs that die en-route, you only see the ones that succeed. Policing the realm takes up one of their military tasks. I don't think I've had a computer attack me once I get to 8 or higher relations with them (maybe they do once I claim, forgot), a relations of 8 or 9 essentially means "allied". The Pope only gets pissed at you for attacking someone if they're already blessed (relations of 8 or 9 with the Pope).

I haven't played the CD version (i.e. pre-made castles with bonuses) so can't comment on them. But if you find it to be an "unwinnable nightmare" yet say the strategy gets "pretty transparent" then I'd say there's more you still have to learn about the game.

Completely have to agree here. If the guy who was quoted here by Vanshilar can't get around such a simple strategy game as this one then either strategy games are not for him or he needs to start with something way easier.

Good old days strategy games were real strategy games. Today strategy games barely scratch the surface in comparison.

[Vanshilar]

So one thing from digging into the saved files. Something I noticed from playing is that it's hard to hit Admin 8 and 9 through tasks (I almost always end up getting them from plots instead). So I looked at how the ability point (Adm/Mil/Pol) increase system works.

Basically, when a task is successfully completed, it adds points toward increasing the ability points. The exceptions are Scout, which seems to not increase points, and Merchant, which preliminarily (still testing it) seems to only add half (round down) the number of points (so if you committed 5 to Merchant, you'll gain the equivalent of if you had committed 2). The points for a task in its own area is doubled. So if you "Gather Food" with 4 points in Adm, 3 in Mil, and 1 in Pol, hereafter referred to as (4, 3, 1), you'll gain (8, 3, 1) toward increasing your ability points -- the points for Adm is doubled because "Gather Food" is an Adm task. When the accumulated points for an area is equal or greater than the threshold needed for the next value, you'll gain an ability point and that amount is deducted from the accumulated points. Thus, any overflow beyond what you needed is carried over to help with the next ability point.

To reach each level, the points needed are:

Point Adm Mil Pol
1 0 0 0
2 20 20 20
3 20 20 20
4 30 20 20
5 40 30 20
6 60 50 40
7 90 60 40
8 125 80 50
9 140 90 70
10 9000 9000 9000

You can't really hit 9000 so yeah you're limited to 9 points max. By the way, these values are 0x198F1 to 0x1992C in CASTLES2.EXE. I don't have any special insight into the .EXE file, I simply looked for those values in the .EXE once I had pretty much figured out most of the above table.

Anyway, the big problem seems to be that the programmers used signed rather than unsigned 8-bit integers for your accumulated points. This isn't a problem for Mil or Pol. However, for Adm, once you reach Adm 7, you need 125 or higher to hit Adm 8. But because it's a signed integer, if you reach 128, the game thinks that's actually -128, and so you won't be able to move to the next Adm point. Same for any number above 128, until you reach 256, at which point it becomes 0. So to reach Adm 8, your accumulated points needs to reach between 125 and 127. Since this is hard to control precisely, more likely than not you'll skip over this window, until the number wraps around again for another shot. Thus, it's difficult to reach except via plots. And for Adm 9, because you *can't* hit 140 using a signed 8-bit integer, you're out of luck; you'll only get it through plots.

To fix this is pretty simple; you can simply edit those values in CASTLES2.EXE to something like (say) 105 and 110. Since you can only gain a maximum of 16 to your accumulated points from one task (at Adm 8), this will prevent this problem. This is simply a matter of changing byte 0x198FF from 0x7D to 0x69, and byte 0x19901 from 0x8C to 0x6E. It's also possible that the CD version of the game fixed this bug; I'm using the diskette version.

If anyone has a different experience (i.e. had no problem getting Adm 8 and/or Adm 9 from tasks), please let me know and more importantly, have a save game if possible so that I can take a look at it. It's also helpful if you know what version of the game you have (diskette or CD). Thanks.

[Vanshilar]

I've decoded the text of the plots. Note that this is just the text, not how the plots actually work (that'll come next), since they do additional stuff like check how much gold you have and such in figuring out which plot branch you'll follow.

The plot text is stored in LIB.CLU (it probably stands for "cluster library"). It's split up into 3201 clusters; however, the first 1000 clusters are blank, and in fact, only 359 clusters have data. Within each cluster, there are up to 10 nodes. Each node is then further split into different sub-nodes for things like the different text when you choose different options. Those sub-nodes are then split into lines of text. These lines don't match up with the lines you see in the game, but there seems a max of around 85 characters to a line.

The text is below. Note that "{" and "}" characters get converted into quotation marks when the text is displayed on your screen. I haven't figured out how the branching is done yet, so this shows all the possible branches of the different plots. So you'll see multiple sub-nodes together; for example, if you see 3 sentences after being given choices A, B, C, then each of those sentences correspond to the response for each choice.

This will take about 15 posts because the forum has a limit of 50000 characters per post.

-------------
Cluster: 1000
-------------

_Player is %d
_Main plot manager: %d plots have been run
_Scott's generic manager
_Scott's random event manager
_Katie's resource manager
_Boots St. Bernard's Mother May I? manager
_Secret movie %d

-------------
Cluster: 1001
-------------

_NODE 10010.
_NODE 2.
The mob gathers to greet their hero, the demagogue Arinseault,
as he visits you.

{So, you are the one who would be king. Like so many others.
Like ***** in a barn, pecking at each other, seeing who shall rule
the roost. You amuse me, with your petty struggles for power.
You are no different than any other man who claims a throne.

{Perhaps I am being unfair. Perhaps I am being too generous. Let me
test your royal soul, monarch of the land. Answer my question: where
does a king's power chiefly come from?}

Do you say:
[a] his peasants and serfs.
[b] his knights.
[c] his heart.
[d] God.
{You tell me what you think I wish to hear. No honest king
believes that. Your answer is more politic than truth. I
shall return some other time to test thee again.}
{You have the heart of a soldier, thinking only of his
armor, his weapons. There is more to life than that. I
shall come again, when your heart is a changed thing.}
{Now that is an arrogant answer; in a kingdom of thousands
to think that any man's heart has the power to hold them
together. Yet the heart of a great king has the power to hold
a kingdom together like strings connecting a frail tapestry
in a brisk wind, and when that heart is gone, the kingdom
snaps and falls apart. History is full of such tales.
Unhappy are those who have no memory of a great king. Yet
without followers, a king is a man like any other.

{I cannot grant thee what you ask on a single question. I
shall come again.}
{Ah, God, I had forgotten Him, as I have done too often of
late. It is a danger of those who are wrapped too frequently
in mortal affairs that they forget the sublime. You have
shamed me, with cause. Nonetheless, this is too easy an
answer for so difficult a question. Is God not the answer to
all questions?}
_NODE 1.
_NODE 10011.
One of your knights brings council.

{Majesty, we are now able to send our contacts into Paris. There is
a man there whose favor we should court, the demagogue Arinseault,
a man who is worshipped by the mob. He is a strange man, something
of a philosopher, but having him support your claim to the throne
would give you major political advantages.}

Do you:
[a] summon Arinseault to you.
[b] send your finest knights to Paris to pay homage to him.
[c] send Arinseault a gift of 1000 marks (1 Gold).
{It shall be done, my liege.}
{It shall be done, my liege.}
{You do not have the funds. I shall see that he is
summoned.}
{It shall be done.}

-------------
Cluster: 1002
-------------

_NODE 10020.
_NODE 3.
The demagogue Arinseault returns:

{I have come again, to judge whether you are worth my support,
as I will come to any man who would be king. What I would ask
you of is a matter of trust. Of all mortal things, where should
a man place his greatest trust?}

Do you choose:
[a] in the stars.
[b] in his brother.
[c] in himself.
[d] in the kindness of strangers.
{The stars will betray no trusts, but they cannot help
thee. Hope is the greatest trust of all, and such a trust
shared with another can produce rewards unlooked for.

{I shall come again.}
{Have you no fear of betrayal? For one's brother can
betray a trust as easily as any other. Yet a trust unshared
is a worthless thing. Your answer is as perfect as one can
give in an imperfect world. I shall consider this answer
and return with my decision.}
{That is the least wise place of all, for no one betrays us
more than ourselves. A secret kept inside is a hidden fire,
that burns us at inopportune times.

{Nonetheless, I find these meetings of interest. I shall come
again.}
{This speaks ill of you, for from this answer, I can assume that you
have trusts that you would not share with friends, or that you have
friends that you would not trust. One should make trustworthy
friends, and share one's secrets freely with them.

{Godspeed, my liege. I shall come again.}

-------------
Cluster: 1003
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE 10030.
You have been brought word of the demagogue, Arinseault.

{Majesty, we no longer know Arinseault's whereabouts. He was accused
of murdering a tax collector, and eluded those who came to take him
to trial. He is now an outlaw. This has only increased the devotion
of his followers to his cause; if you were to ally yourself with
him, you would become a hero to the people of the cities.}

Do you:
[a] offer 1,000 marks (1 Gold) to anyone who will bring Arinseault
to you.
[b] send a unit of infantry to search for him.
[c] send word to Arinseault's followers that you will help him.
You cannot afford to offer this reward. You send
word to Arinseault's followers instead.
Messengers are sent to the towns and cities,
proclaiming the reward.
You do not have enough infantry. You send
word to Arinseault's followers instead.
A band of soldiers march toward the city, searching
for their quarry.
A message will be sent to them.

-------------
Cluster: 1004
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE 10040.
The rather strange demagogue Arinseault returns.

{Tell me, one who would rule Bretagne, What is the thing that most
separates a commoner from a king?}

Do you say:
[a] a king is a leader, a commoner is a follower.
[b] a king has wealth and power, a commoner has none.
[c] a king bears great burdens, a commoner bears small burdens.
[d] there is no difference.
{Thou hast placed thy finger on the matter's crux; this is
the difference between commoner and king. You have spoken
wisely. I will consider whether you are deserving of my
blessing, and return.
{The difference in wealth and power is great indeed, but if
a king were to be cast out of his kingdom, and shorn of all
his worldly goods, would there not be differences between
a king and commoner still?

{This was a noble failure, but a failure nonetheless. I shall
come again.}
{I can tell you that a peasant, who knows not whence his
next meal shall come, bears burdens great as thee. The love
of child and wife, their health, the respect of neighbors,
the company of friends, the need for love and pride, the
spectre of shame, all these things you share with peasants,
and they can create great burdens.

{I shall come again.}
{You think there is no difference? What an absurd answer.
The evidence of one's eyes makes it obvious that there are
great differences.

{I shall come at least one more time, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1005
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE 10050.
{Majesty, we have learned of three possible hiding places where
Arinseault may be hiding.

{First, there is the forest outside Paris. It is a haven for
hundreds of brigands, bandits, and outlaws, and we would have
to take many of our infantry from our army, purge the forest of
these scum, and hope to find Arinseault, if he is there at all.

{Second, there are the cathedrals within Paris itself. It may be
that Arinseault has requested asylum there. We would not require
to send an army into Paris to retrieve him, but interfering in
the Church's right of asylum could anger the Pope.

{Third, Arinseault has many supporters in the University. While not
a secure hiding place, it offers more comforts than a cathedral or
a forest. The students are not likely to surrender Arinseault, even
to someone who is on friendly terms with him.}

Do you:
[a] send soldiers into the forest of Paris.
[b] send your best diplomat to the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
[c] send soldiers into the university.
_NODE 6a.
_NODE 10051.
You would need to send at least one unit of infantry. You do
not have them. Your only option is to search the cathedrals.
Your soldiers will search the forest.
_NODE 6b.
_NODE 10052.
A messenger is dispatched to the bishop of Paris.
_NODE 6c.
_NODE 10053.
A messenger is sent to the University.

-------------
Cluster: 1006
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE 10060.
A messenger comes from the mayor of Paris.

{Majesty, the mayor objects to your soldiers running around the
city without his authority. He wishes you to stop this practice
at once}.

Do you:
[a] order the mayor to pardon Arinseault, or you will find another
mayor to do it for him.
[b] tell the mayor that you will raze the city if he interferes with
you.
[c] tell him that you'll listen carefully to him, then ignore him.
_node 7b.
_NODE 10061.
That may well be, but the mayor will never surrender his legal
authority, save to one who has been crowned as the rightful king
of Bretagne by the Church.
_node 7b.
_NODE 10062.
{I see. I do not forsee any problems, Majesty.}
{There are many others in Bretagne who would defend
us if we were attacked by you. You have powerful
enemies, and that means we have powerful friends.

{If you are discreet, I am certain the situation can
be resolved to our mutual satisfaction. If you are
not, things will not go as either of us wish. Keep
that in mind.}
_NODE 7c.
_NODE 10063.
{That is good.}

-------------
Cluster: 1007
-------------

_NODE 8.
_NODE 10070.
You are called to the great hall suddenly.

A hush fills the hall. Your soldiers seem nervous, intimidated
by the man, as if a prophet of the Lord had walked into the hall.

Arinseault.

{I have come again, one who would rule Bretagne, and I have another
question for thee. Who is thy greatest enemy?}

Do you say:
[a] the strongest of your rivals to the throne.
[b] yourself.
[c] truth.
[d] death.
[e] Arinseault.
{He who would destroy thy hope? A powerful enemy indeed.
Yet, not the greatest. I shall come to thee one final time.
Fare thee well, Majesty.}
{Your greatest enemy? What is so great about thee?}

Arinseault laughs without malice.

{Yet thou art a prince, and a person of quality. Easily can
your ambitions betray thee. It is a sufficient answer. I
shall give you my blessing. You are wise enough to rule this
land.}
{So many lies do we weave, so many sins do we commit, that
truth must become the greatest enemy of even the most
honest of men. You have done very well. You have my blessing.}
{But when death has come, one does not think of it as an
enemy. I would imagine even those unhappy souls confined
to the torments of Hell do not curse death; they would curse
the deeds of life which confined them to such torment.

{It would appear to me, Majesty, that fear is thy enemy, not
death, for without fear, why would you think death to be
thy enemy?

{I shall come one last time. Farewell.}
{Me? Then you must live a blessed life indeed, for I have
done thee no harm, nor have I desired to harm thee. If
I am thy greatest enemy, then I must depart, and never
see thee again. Farewell.}

-------------
Cluster: 1008
-------------

_NODE 10080.
_NODE 9.
A messenger returns from searching the cathedrals of Paris.

{Majesty, we have found Arinseault. However, his recent experiences
have changed him deeply. He no longer wishes to involve himself
in politics, or with the mob, or with anything except the Church. He
intends to become a monk!}

Do you:
[a] ask him to appear before you.
[b] offer to aid the Pope if he aids you.
{Very well, my liege.}
{Very well, my liege.}
_NODE 10081.
_NODE 9a.
A messenger returns from Arinseault.

{Arinseault has asked for a favor before he agrees to appear before
you. Sir Richard de Peorot, a pious knight, went to the Crusades and
was mistakenly thought to be dead. When he returned to Bretagne, his
lands had been sold, and he was penniless. Arinseault wishes you
to restore his lands. However, the man who bought them, Count
Alodinac, is quite powerful, and not someone who should be offended
if you wish to be King of Bretagne.}

Do you:
[a] ignore Arinseault's request.
[b] compensate Alodinac (2 Gold) and restore Sir Richard.
[c] offer Richard some poorer lands (1 Resource) as compensation.
{Very well, my liege.}

Arinseault does not come.
You cannot afford this. However, Count Alodinac is
not without pity, and agrees to restore the knight
to his lands, in return for certain indulgences from
the Church. The Church is pleased by your efforts.
Count Alodinac is satisfied, and the Pope is
especially impressed with your efforts.
_NODE 10082.
_NODE 9b.
A messenger returns from Arinseault.

{Arinseault wishes to know what you intend to do to help the Pope.

Do you:
[a] publicly denounce the Anti-Pope and imprison anyone who would
openly support him.
[b] offer to send one unit of Knights to the Crusades.
[c] offer one unit of Timber to build ships for the Crusades.
{This answer shall be taken back to Arinseault.}
You do not have one unit of Knights to spare. You
doubt that Arinseault will come now.
The Church is quite surprised by your offer. They
give you 5,000 marks in compensation. Arinseault
is also reportedly quite pleased.
You do not have one unit of Timber to spare. You
doubt that Arinseault will come now.
The Church is quite surprised by your offer. They
give you 1,000 marks in compensation. Arinseault
is also reportedly quite pleased.
_NODE 10083.
_NODE 9ac.
{What do you wish to pay? Gold and grain are the only commodities
desired by those who sell land.}

Do you:
[a] pay 1 Grain.
[b] pay 1 Timber.
[c] pay 1 Iron.
[d] pay 1 Gold.
[e] force someone from their land and give it to Sir Richard.
You do not have enough grain.
Sir Richard is pleased by your gift, as is the
Church, and Arinseault.
You do not have enough timber.
It is not a particularly good piece of land, but Sir
Richard is not an ingrate. The Church is pleased with
your act of Christian charity.
You do not have enough iron.
It is not a particularly good piece of land, but Sir
Richard is not an ingrate. The Church is pleased with
your act of Christian charity.
You do not have enough gold.
Sir Richard is pleased by your gift, as is the
Church, and Arinseault.
When Sir Richard learns how the land was obtained, he
wants nothing to do with it. No one is particularly happy
with your handling of the situation. Needless to say,
Arinseault ignores your request, and you do not receive
his blessing.

-------------
Cluster: 1009
-------------

_NODE 10090.
_NODE 10.
A messenger comes to you, bearing news from the Forest of Paris.

{Your force of men has not found Arinseault. Questioning the outlaws,
it would appear that he was never in the forest, although by
destroying the outlaws, we have inadvertently done much to aid
our cause. Even the mayor of Paris is saying kind things about us,
in public, at least.

{Where do you wish us to search next?}
[a] the cathedrals of Paris.
[b] the University of Paris.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Very good, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1010
-------------

_node 11.
_NODE 10100.
A messenger comes from the University of Paris, where you have been
searching for the demagogue, Arinseault.

{Majesty, he is not in the University, but one of the students said
that he is taking refuge in one of the cathedrals. We are searching
there now.}

-------------
Cluster: 1011
-------------

_NODE 12.
_NODE 10110.
Arinseault the demagogue -- or is it prophet? -- has come.

{This is the final time I will come, Majesty. This is the final
question. What is a king's greatest responsibility?}

Do you answer:
[a] making wise decisions and laws.
[b] the happiness of his subjects.
[c] the defense of the realm and its interests.
[d] peace and order.
{That is true. For that is all that a people can expect
of a king, to do his best when the tides of a world turn
against them. You have my blessing, ruler of Bretagne.}
{That is too great a burden for a king. A king can make his
subjects unhappy, but they alone create their own happiness.
Farewell, one who would be ruler of Bretagne.}

You never see Arinseault again.
{That is important, but what does a secure realm matter if
a ruler is unwise, and his people oppressed and miserable?
Farewell, one who would be ruler of Bretagne.}

You never see Arinseault again.
{There is much to be said about peace and order, but there
can also be times when peace means slavery, and order means
corruption. There are times when war is preferable to peace,
and chaos is preferable to order. Farewell, one who would
rule Bretagne.}

You never see Arinseault again.

-------------
Cluster: 1012
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE 10120.
{Majesty, Arinseault will not come. He will not see
someone who is excommunicated.}
The monk Arinseault appears.

{Hear me, servant of the Darkness, enemy of all that is holy
and chaste! I have come not to give you the blessing of
the Lord, but his righteous damnation! Repent, sinner!
Fall to thy knees and reject the ways of evil! Only God and
his Holy Saints can save thee! Pray for God's eternal love and
the forgiveness of thy sins!}

Do you:
[a] fall to your knees immediately and pray.
[b] offer to make restitution for thy sins to the poor and
destitute.
[c] have Arinseault removed from your throne chamber.
_NODE 13a.
_NODE 10121.
{Bless you, my son. Thou art a true devout follower of Christ. I
gladly help thee, for you will be a right Christian king of
Bretagne.}
_NODE 13b.
_NODE 10122.
{My son, though God loves good deeds, they cannot save thy
soul. This is not the way to obtain the blessing of God.}

Do you:
[a] fall to your knees immediately and pray.
[b] beg him to forgive your sins.
[c] have Arinseault removed from your throne chamber.
_NODE 13c.
_NODE 10123.
{Unbeliever! No blessing shall thou receive, and thy greatest
works shall crumble in thy fingers.}
_NODE 13bb.
_NODE 10124.
{My son, though God has given me great blessings, no mortal
may forgive sins. That is the province of God and his Saints; I
have no power to forgive your transgressions.}

Do you:
[a] fall to your knees immediately and pray.
[b] have Arinseault removed from your throne chamber.
_NODE Additional.
_NODE 10125.
Arinseault has come.

{I have considered the answer to your last question, and doubts to
your worthiness remain. I have but one more question for you, my
liege. How many angels can stand on the head of a pin?}

Do you answer:
[a] None. Angels are too glorious to fit on any pin.
[b] The answer is without number, for angels are limited only by the
will of God.
[c] The answer is meaningless, for angels would have no cause to
perform this action.
{You think highly of angels. Man is also God's servant, and
has been gifted with glorious capabilities. You have my
blessing, and my hope that you will serve God, and His
people, well.}
{You think highly of angels. Man is also God's servant, and
has been gifted with glorious capabilities. You have my
blessing, and my hope that you will serve God, and His
people, well.}
{Such a practical response. May your practicality serve you
well as King of Bretagne, for you have my blessing.}
_NODE Additional.
_NODE 10126.
Arinseault has come.

{I have considered the answer to your last question, and I find
myself with more questions. Perhaps you can answer this one, my
liege. What is the most desirable quality in a friend?}

Do you answer:
[a] Honesty.
[b] Steadfastness.
[c] Honor.
[d] Valor.
{A worthy answer. The truth is that I had decided to give
you my blessing weeks ago, but I did not wish these
discussions to end so quickly. I know you will serve the
people well. You have my blessing.}
{May our friendship have that quality, even after you have
become King of Bretagne. You have my blessing.}
{You have demonstrated that quality, Majesty, as well as
patience. I hope you will honor me with an invitation to
your coronation as King of Bretagne, for you have my blessing.}
{That is a quality to be desired in friends as well as kings.
You have my blessing.}

-------------
Cluster: 1013
-------------

_NODE 14.
_NODE 10130.
{Majesty!}

{Majesty!}

You awaken to the sound of mourning bells in the crisp dawn air.

{Majesty, Arinseault is dead. How, I do not know; Arinseault is as
mysterious in death as he was in life. He is already being considered
for beatification, perhaps even canonization, by the Pope. However,
he had his share of enemies.}

Do you:
[a] declare a day of mourning and make a pilgrimage to his tomb.
[b] ignore his death.
{Very good Majesty.}

Arinseault is immediately beatified by the Pope. Your
public display of grief endears you to the public.
{Certainly, my liege.}

Arinseault is immediately beatified by the Pope. Some
wonder why you didn't show your friend more respect.
_NODE 10131 End Of Current Plot.
_Start new plot - retsub.

-------------
Cluster: 1020
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n10200
One of your councillors bears a message from one of your subjects.

{Majesty, the lord mayor of the town of Mortain wishes to celebrate
your arrival. He wishes to know what kind of celebration you
prefer.

{A tournament would please the nobles, and would test the skills of
the local knights. It is quite expensive.

{A fair is less pleasing to the nobles, but would give the peasantry
a chance to display their wares and talents, and is less expensive.

{A festival of song and plays would allow the presentation of Mystery
plays, which will please the Church, and might even save some of
their souls. It is also less expensive.}

Do you prefer:
[a] a tournament.
[b] a fair.
[c] a festival.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE n10201
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 1b.
_NODE n10202
{I am certain it will be enjoyable, Majesty.}
_NODE 1c.
_NODE n10203
{I shall make the preparations, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1021
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE n10210
One of your advisors brings news.

{Majesty, there is an argument between the lord mayors of Mortain
and Rennes. Each wishes to be the host of your Majesty's fair; they
also wish to be the sole host of the fair.

{Mortain is a town where many of the nobility retire; they find the
sea air refreshing. As you know, many of your most steadfast
supporters reside there; you would never have been able to stake a
claim on the throne of Bretagne without their backing.

{Rennes, on the other hand, is a town belonging to peasants who have
never travelled further than a league from their homes. They have
little love for any king, and care not who claims the throne of
Bretagne, as long as they are left in peace. There are far more
people in Rennes than in Mortain, which is their closest rival in
goods and trade.}

Do you:
[a] hold the fair in Mortain.
[b] hold the fair in Rennes.
{Your friends will be glad to see you.}
{The peasants should rejoice to see their king.}

-------------
Cluster: 1022
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n10220
You receive a visit from Bishop Winslow the dour, regarding the
forthcoming festival.

{Majesty, I must protest certain of the performers that have been
hired to perform at your festival. Several are involved in that
most sinful of activities, dancing.

{I realize I may be old fashioned, and there are some even among
my peers who would allow this sort of thing, but I must protest it,
protest it most vigorously, Sire. If you would allow me to take
control of this frivolity, I promise you that the festival will be
one worth attending.}

Do you:
[a] assure him that all of the performers will be moral.
[b] ignore him.
[c] allow him to take control.
_NODE 3a.
_NODE n10221
{Hmph! Moral indeed. We'll see, we'll see!}
_NODE 3b.
_NODE n10222
{Well, I never!}
_NODE 3c.
_NODE n10223
{It shall be a thing of beauty, worthy of great praise!}

-------------
Cluster: 1023
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE n10230
One of your advisors comes to you to discuss problems regarding
the forthcoming tournament.

{Majesty, your seneschal has been arguing about the size of the
proposed tournament. Many of your knights wish to have a huge
tournament, where every great knight in Bretagne will be invited;
they hope to impress you by defeating numerous opponents.
{Your seneschal had in mind a much smaller and less costly affair.
He estimates that his tournament will cost 1,000 marks, and that a
larger one would cost 2,000 marks.}

Do you:
[a] choose the larger tournament.
[b] choose the smaller tournament.
[c] choose a different event.
_NODE 4a.
_NODE n10231
{The treasury cannot afford a large tournament, Majesty.}
{It shall be a grand tournament, my liege.}
_NODE 4b.
_NODE n10232
{The treasury cannot afford even a small tournament, Majesty.}
{I am certain it will be a great success.}
_NODE 4c.
_NODE n10233
{Would you prefer:}
[a] a fair.
[b] a festival.
_NODE 4c.
_NODE n10234
{Would you prefer:}
[a] a small tournament (costs 1 Gold).
[b] a fair.
[c] a festival.

-------------
Cluster: 1024
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n10240
You are on your way to attend the Mortain fair, when a rider comes
up to you, bearing news.

{Majesty, a large brawl has broken out at the fair. It would
appear that the younger and more impulsive nobles decided to offer
some comparisons between the peasants and the breeding stock that
were being sold, and for some reason, the peasants took great offense.
Several people have been killed, and some peasants were killed too.
If you ask me, you should hang the swine.}

Do you:
[a] hang peasants indiscriminately.
[b] appoint justices to investigate.
[c] ignore the incident.
_NODE 5a.
_NODE n10241
{Good choice, Majesty. There's nothing more enjoyable than the sight
of peasants dangling from a rope.}
_NODE 5b.
_NODE n10242
{But why? Those judges never do anything useful? Hang the lot of them
and be done with it.}

Fortunately, wiser heads prevail.
_NODE 5c.
_NODE n10243
{Does that mean we aren't going to have any hangings? But Majesty!}

The incident is quickly forgotten.

-------------
Cluster: 1025
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE n10250
As you approach the fair in Rennes...

{Majesty, a dozen rogue knights have come to the fair, and are
causing problems, maligning the people, and saying ill things
of you. Yet, if we were to attack them, many people might be
hurt or killed. What shall we do?}

Do you:
[a] offer them free wine, and get them away from the others.
[b] insult them and try to lure them away from the gathering.
[c] have your best knight challenge their champion to single
combat.
_NODE 6a.
_NODE n10251
Your plan almost works; but, once drunk, the knights return to
the fair, more obnoxious than before. Carts are overturned, and
wagons set ablaze. Your knights eventually subdue them, but not
before many people are killed or wounded.
_NODE 6b.
_NODE n10252
As expected, a fight breaks out. There is some damage, but your
knights have moved them away from the center of the fair, and
the rogue knights are easily subdued.
_NODE 6c.
_NODE n10253
These knights are not the flower of chivalry. Seeing that they have
a choice between dishonor or death, the leader of the rogues
abruptly mounts his steed and leads his people away.

-------------
Cluster: 1026
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n10260
A man who is clearly not a noble comes before you and falls to one
knee.

{Majesty, I am a member of an acting troupe, one of many coming
to the festival. However, the local magistrate has been arresting
every player and performer who comes near the town. If this continues,
it is likely that there will be few performers for the festival.

{I do not know why this man is doing this. We have broken no law,
but are coming on your explicit instructions. Who would want to
have us arrested?}

Do you:
[a] order their immediate release.
[b] release them and replace the magistrate.
[c] release them and summon Bishop Winslow.
Your seneschal says, {This shall be done, though
I fear this will delay the festivities by a fortnight
or so.}
Your seneschal says, {This shall be done, though
I fear this will delay the festivities by a fortnight
or so.}
A messenger soon returns from the bishop. {The
bishop is quite ill, my liege, or so he says, and
cannot come to see you. Let us hope this is a
grievous illness.}

-------------
Cluster: 1027
-------------

_NODE 8.
_NODE n10270
A man who is clearly not a noble comes before you and falls to one
knee.

{Majesty, I am a member of an acting troupe, one of many coming
to the festival. However, I have been informed by the bishop that
there will be no plays, that the festival will be composed entirely
of six hours of good wholesome Gregorian chants. It appears he does
not realize that we live in the 14th Century.}

Do you:
[a] tell the bishop that his services are not required.
[b] tell the bishop that six hours of Gregorian chants are excessive.
[c] allow the bishop to run the festival.
The bishop is not happy.
The bishop replies:

{If they were good enough for Saint Augustine, they are good
enough for the people of Bretagne.}

Do you:
[a] remove the bishop from the festival.
[b] allow him to present his chants.
The bishop is not happy.
The preparations continue...
The preparations continue...

-------------
Cluster: 1028
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n10280
Several knights come to see you.

{Majesty, I believe that I should be your champion at the
tournament! This baseborn soldier who calls himself a knight says...}

{Baseborn! My family has sworn to uphold the code of chivalry for
generations!}

{And my family has distinguished itself in the Crusades, unlike
these cowards...}

Guards come into the throne room to separate the combatants...
Three knights wish to represent you as your champion at the big
tournament.

Sir Thomas is an old friend, and an able knight who has fought in
many tournaments. However, he is not a local knight, and the people
might be offended that he represents you.

Sir Miles is the favorite of the locals, and considers himself to be
the pearl of chivalry. However, you have doubts whether he can
prevail against the best of Bretagne.

Sir Robert is young, a fearsome competitor, and an excellent
soldier. However, he has little tournament experience, and initially
opposed your claim to the throne of Bretagne. You are not entirely
certain of his loyalty.

Do you choose:
[a] Sir Thomas.
[b] Sir Miles.
[c] Sir Robert.
Sir Thomas says, {I am honored, Majesty. I shall do my
best to represent thee.}

Sir Robert offers Thomas half-hearted praise. Sir Miles
says nothing, and scowling, leaves.
Sir Miles says, {I am the greatest knight in the realm, and
shall prove it! Even these two fools will acknowledge it!}

The two {fools}, Sir Robert and Sir Thomas, look at each
other, look back at you, and beg your leave to be excused.
Sir Robert says, {I am honored by your confidence in my
ability. I am a soldier, not a courtier, and am confident
that I shall best these men who pretend to be knights and
do honor to your choice.}

Sir Thomas politely wishes Sir Robert well, while Sir Miles
scowls and leaves.

-------------
Cluster: 1029
-------------

_NODE 10.
_NODE n10290

Sir Thomas, one of your oldest friends, killed Sir Gerald of
Beleux, one of the local knights, in the joust. It was clearly an
accident.

Sir Gerald's brother, Francis, demands a trial by combat with Sir
Thomas, to avenge his brother's death. Thomas says that he is not
responsible for the accident, but will fight Francis if that is
what is required to avenge his honor.

Do you:
[a] allow the trial by combat, but tell them to wait sixty days to
give them time to calm down.
[b] refuse to allow the trial by combat.
The combatants agree.
Francis does not particularly care for this command, and
does not hide his feelings.

-------------
Cluster: 1030
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE n10300
A rather odd incident has occurred.

{Majesty, we found several wagonloads of flour, near the Montain road.
It seems to belong to a merchant that was coming to the fair.
It appears that he was ambushed and killed by robbers.
We have placed it in a secure shelter.}

Do you:
[a] confiscate the grain.
[b] try to find the owner's heir and give it to him.
The flour is added to your grain supply.
The owner had no children or heirs. You confiscate the grain.

-------------
Cluster: 1031
-------------

_NODE 12.
_NODE n10310
Word comes to you of a disturbing incident.

{Majesty, the rogue knights that afflicted the fair in Rennes have
returned in force. We need to send some infantry against them and
get rid of them once and for all.}

Do you:
[a] assign one Infantry unit.
[b] assign two Infantry units.
[c] assign three Infantry units.
_NODE 12a.
_NODE n10311
{We do not have enough infantry. We should recruit them
quickly, before the problem gets worse.}
{They shall be sent.}
Your infantry drives away the rogue knights in a grim,
bloody battle.
_NODE 12b.
_NODE n10312
{We do not have enough infantry. We should recruit them
quickly, before the problem gets worse.}
{They shall be sent.}
Your infantry drive away the rogue knights in a grim,
bloody battle.
_NODE 12c.
_NODE n10313
{We do not have enough infantry. We should recruit them
quickly, before the problem gets worse.}
{They shall be sent.}
Your infantry drive away the rogue knights in a brutal,
bloody battle.

-------------
Cluster: 1032
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE n10320
{And as we say in our homeland, conquest is just another form of
pilgrimage; a pilgrimage for our treasury. Everyone who tries
to conquer Bretagne must make a vow of poverty, for certainly
their treasury soon vanishes.}

Your face is red as you find yourself surrounded by laughter.
Laughter that is aimed at you.

One of the companies that is performing has changed its scheduled
play. Instead of a mystery play, they are performing a satire
describing the misadventures of a vain and inadequate lord
who began a misguided campaign to conquer Bretagne. The play is
obviously about you.

Do you:
[a] stop the production and imprison the players.
[b] leave the production and have them imprisoned later.
[c] chide them for satirizing one of the other claimants to the
throne, making it clear that satire will only be tolerated
if it concerns someone other than you.
_NODE 13a.
_NODE n10321
This act casts a long shadow over the rest of the festival, but no
further incidents occur.
_NODE 13b.
_NODE n10322
No one openly satirizes you for a long time.
_NODE 13c.
_NODE n10323
The satire becomes rather popular, although the company has the
discretion to turn it into a satire about someone else.

-------------
Cluster: 1033
-------------

_NODE 14.
_NODE n10330
As the Gregorian chants go into their seventh hour, the crowd
grows restless indeed. You cannot entirely blame them.

{Majesty,} one of your advisors says, {unless something is done
to put a stop to this unpleasantness, this crowd will turn into
an angry mob.}

Do you:
[a] thank the singers and end the festival.
[b] allow some actors to come on stage and make fun of the singers.
[c] allow the festival to continue.
Too late. You are forced to flee for your life as the angered
mob goes into a frenzy. Eventually, things settle down, but
many homes and shops are burned to the ground by the mob.
The crowd breaks out into riotous laughter, and the festival
ends peacefully. Bishop Winslow, however, is mortified by
the event. He protests your conduct to the Pope, but more
understanding bishops intercede on your behalf, and it is
said that the Pope himself mentioned that he would not be able
to stand more than five hours of Gregorian chants.
A bad decision. You are forced to flee for your life as the
mob goes into a frenzy. Eventually, things settle down, but
many homes and shops are burned to the ground by the mob.

{People have no appreciation for good music,} Bishop Winslow
is heard to say.

-------------
Cluster: 1034
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE n10340
The day of the tournament arrives. All eyes are upon you as the
finest knights in Bretagne compete.

Sir Thomas, your champion, is triumphant! Yet the happiness
of the crowd is muted; he is clearly not their favorite.

At this point, Sir Miles, the local favorite who was not
chosen, steps forward and asks your permission to challenge
Sir Thomas.

Do you:
[a] refuse to allow your knights to fight each other.
[b] allow the combat.
[c] allow Sir Thomas to decide.
Sir Thomas fights valiantly, but is beaten by a knight from
Lombardy.
_NODE 14a.
_NODE n10341
Sir Miles protests longer than he should, and you are tempted to
imprison him. Eventually, he storms away, without your leave.
_NODE 14b.
_NODE n10342
Sir Miles' anger brings about a surprising result to this
contest. He bests Sir Thomas.

Sir Thomas is uninjured, save for his pride.
Miles becomes, of course, more insufferable than
before. But the locals love a triumphant hero.
Sir Thomas is badly wounded in the combat, but
Miles does not seem to care, nor do the locals
that idolize him.
Sir Miles badly wounds Sir Thomas, and, without
giving him a chance to surrender, slays your old
friend. Callously, he exalts in his victory while
the crowd cheers the death of one of your most
faithful servants.

Do you:
[a] imprison Sir Miles.
[b] allow him to go unpunished.
The people are outraged that their hero
is imprisoned.
Sir Thomas is buried with honors in a
graveyard near his home. His friends are
quite saddened, and not at all happy with
you.
As expected, Sir Thomas bests Sir Miles. The crowd is
not happy to see their hero go down to defeat.

-------------
Cluster: 1035
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE n10350
The day of the tournament arrives. All eyes are upon you as the
finest knights in Bretagne compete.
Sir Miles, your champion, is triumphant! The crowd is filled
with happiness and joy.
Sir Miles fights hard, but is beaten by a stout knight from
Lombardy.

Later, after the tournament, Miles comes to you:
{Majesty, that Lombard swine clearly fouled me. You should
go to the judges and tell them to award the tournament to
me.}

You politely inform him that it is too late. The knight,
unsatisfied, departs angrily.

-------------
Cluster: 1036
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE n10360
The day of the tournament arrives. All eyes are upon you as the
finest knights in Bretagne compete.
Sir Robert, your champion, is triumphant! Yet the happiness
of the crowd is muted; he is clearly not their favorite.

At this point, Sir Miles, the local favorite who was not
chosen, steps forward and asks your permission to challenge
Sir Robert.

Do you:
[a] refuse to allow your knights to fight each other.
[b] allow the combat.
[c] allow Sir Robert to decide.
Sir Robert fights valiantly, but is beaten by a knight from
Lombardy.
_NODE 17a.
_NODE n10361
Sir Miles protests longer than he should, and you are tempted to
imprison him. Eventually, he storms away, without your leave.
_NODE 17b.
_NODE n10362
You have seen warfare that was less vicious and brutal than
this fight. It is obvious that both men despise each other,
and would like nothing better than to see each other beaten
and humiliated. Both are badly wounded, but in the end, to
your surprise, Miles is the victor.
As expected, Sir Robert bests Sir Miles. The crowd is
not happy to see their hero go down to defeat. Sir Robert,
unimpressed by Miles' challenge, makes a special effort to
humiliate his rival, smiting him with his fists as well as
with shield and sword, until Miles lies beaten and
unconscious on the ground. It was not a pleasant contest,
nor was it appreciated by the crowd. But it serves as a
useful lesson in humility.

-------------
Cluster: 1037
-------------

_NODE 18.
_NODE n10370
You receive a visit from your friend, Sir Thomas, who will soon
fight for his honor in a trial by combat.

{It would please me greatly to know your wishes in this matter.
The whelp, Francis, has made many foolish boasts about what he
will do to me in our contest. He dishonors me explicitly, and by
boasting that the locals can defeat anyone, dishonors you implicitly.
Yet youth will be brash, and inclined to rash decisions.

{I know that I will triumph. He is barely more than a child, and
knows little of the way of the sword. I wish to know what you want
me to do to him.}

Do you:
[a] tell Sir Thomas to kill him.
[b] tell Sir Thomas to try to spare his life.
Sir Thomas goes beyond his orders. The fight is long and
bloody, and Thomas openly mocks Francis' boasts. In the
end, the youth begs for mercy, mercy which is not shown
to him.
Sir Thomas quickly bests Francis. He forces him to yield,
rather than killing him. There is a reconciliation between
your knights and the local nobility.

-------------
Cluster: 1038
-------------

_NODE 19.
_NODE n10380

{Majesty, there has been a problem. Francis, brother of the slain
Sir Gerald, contrary to thy wishes, challenged Sir Thomas to a
trial by combat.

{The fight was interrupted before Thomas could slay Francis, but
the whelp has disobeyed your commands, and I have brought him to
you for punishment.}

Do you:
[a] have Francis executed.
[b] have Francis imprisoned.
[c] let him go free if he will apologize to you and swear an oath
never to disobey you.
_NODE 19a.
_NODE n10381
Suddenly, Sir Thomas intervenes. {Majesty, I can hardly
blame him for wishing to avenge his brother's death, though it was
an accident. But I am convinced he is a man who will be a great
knight one day, and enough blood has been shed already. I intercede
on his behalf and ask you to spare his life and grant him liberty.}

Do you:
[a] free him if he swears an oath never to attack Sir Thomas.
[b] refuse to free him.
[c] give him a choice of freedom or a trial by combat against Sir
Thomas.
_NODE 19b.
_NODE n10382
Suddenly, Sir Thomas intervenes. {Majesty, I can hardly
blame him for wishing to avenge his brother's death, though it was
an accident. But I am convinced he is a man who will be a great
knight one day, and it is not in this kingdom's best interest for
him to be imprisoned. I intervene on his behalf and I ask you to
grant him liberty.}

Do you:
[a] free him if he swears an oath never to attack Sir Thomas.
[b] refuse to free him.
[c] give him a choice of freedom or a trial by combat against Sir
Thomas.
_NODE 19c.
_NODE n10383
Francis speaks:

{I have disobeyed your Majesty, and deserve a far more grievous
punishment. My pride has been laid low, and may God keep it so.
Never again shall I gainsay your commands, nor attack anyone who
upholds the law of the land. May I be worthy of your forgiveness.}
_NODE 19ab.
_NODE n10384
Francis speaks:

{I have disobeyed your Majesty, and deserve this punishment. I
have been a proud, disobedient fool. God bless your Majesty and
keep thy counsels wise.}
_NODE 19ac.
_NODE n10385
Francis speaks:

{I am unworthy of such mercy, either from my opponent, or from thee.
Even if I thought I could prevail in combat against Sir Thomas, I
do not wish now to do injury against a knight of such generous
spirit and puissance. I shall take my freedom, and use it as best
I can, in the honourable service of the liegelord that my brother
loved.}

-------------
Cluster: 1039
-------------

_NODE 20.
_NODE n10390
Word comes to you of a disturbing incident.

{Majesty, the rogue knights continue to afflict Rennes. They need
our immediate aid!}

Do you:
[a] send one Infantry unit.
[b] send two Infantry units.
[c] send three Infantry units.
_NODE 20a.
_NODE n10391
You do not have enough infantry.
{They shall be sent.}
_NODE 20b.
_NODE n10392
You do not have enough infantry.
{They shall be sent.}
Your infantry drive away the rogue knights in a grim,
bloody battle.
_NODE 20c.
_NODE n10393
You do not have enough infantry.
{They shall be sent.}
Your infantry drive away the rogue knights in a brutal,
bloody battle.

-------------
Cluster: 1040
-------------

_NODE 21.
_NODE 10400
More news of the rogue knights in Rennes.

{Majesty, the knights have regrouped from their losses in the
last battle and are once again attacking Rennes. Something must be
done!}

Do you:
[a] send one Infantry unit.
[b] send two Infantry units.
[c] send three Infantry units.
_NODE 21a.
_NODE 10401
You do not have enough infantry.
{They will leave at once.}
Your infantry battle a band of renegade knights near
Rennes.

{Good news, m'lord! Our infantry have easily routed those
brigands. Rennes is once again safe!}
_NODE 21b.
_NODE 10402
You do not have enough infantry.
{They will leave at once.}
Your infantry battle a band of renegade knights near
Rennes.

{Good news, m'lord! Our infantry have easily routed those
brigands. Rennes is once again safe!}
_NODE 21c.
_NODE 10403
{We do not have enough infantry.}
{They will leave at once.}
Your infantry battle a band of renegade knights near
Rennes.

{Good news, m'lord! Our infantry have easily routed those
brigands. Rennes is once again safe!}

-------------
Cluster: 1041
-------------

_NODE 22.
_NODE 10410.
A delegation comes from the city of Rennes.

{In gratitude for your decisive action in a time of crisis, we present
you with gifts of grain and gold, and our deepest appreciation.}

-------------
Cluster: 1042
-------------

_NODE 23.
_NODE 10420
One of your knights comes to you, bearing a concern.

{Majesty, that clown, Sir Miles has been openly attacking the
selection of your champion in the recent tournament. He has
been making no secret of his disdain for you, or for those in whom
you place your trust. Something should be done about this.}

[a] reprimand Sir Miles.
[b] demand an apology from Sir Miles.
[c] ignore Sir Miles.
Miles is formally rebuked, but it does not seem to humble
him. Humility is not a virtue among many of the chivalrous.
Miles offers one, but you can tell his heart is not in it.
Eventually, Miles decides to complain about something else,
and you never hear another word about the tournament.

-------------
Cluster: 1043
-------------

_NODE 24.
_NODE 10430
Following the tournament, the victorious Sir Miles comes to you.

{Majesty, as victor in your great tournament, I believe that it
is customary to choose a reward. I ask for the hand in marriage
of your cousin and ward, Lady Anne.}

[a] Grant his request.
[b] Make him a count instead.
[c] Tell him that no reward was ever offered.
{Thank you Majesty.}

You are slightly worried about having him as a relation, but he
is probably too stupid to pose any real threat.
Miles is glad to accept any advancement in rank. Throwing a
few crumbs is the best way to handle ambitious fools, as long
as they don't bite your hand.
Miles sulks for a long time.

-------------
Cluster: 1044
-------------

_NODE 25.
_NODE 10440
You receive some disturbing news.

{Majesty, without anyone's approval or counsel, Sir Miles travelled
to Lombardy, to challenge the knight who bested him in the
tournament. The Lombard slew Sir Miles.}

-------------
Cluster: 1045
-------------

_NODE 26.
_NODE 10450
News comes to you of a terrible tragedy.

{Majesty, the town of Rennes has been destroyed by the rogue knights.
All of the buildings have been razed, and the people have either
been slain or scattered.}

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1046
-------------

_NODE 27.
_NODE 10460
{Majesty! The relatives of Francis and Sir Gerald have gathered a
small army and are attacking us!}
You have triumphed! The rebels are captured and slain!
Your fight is a valiant one, but you are overwhelmed. Your
stocks are looted, and many of your followers flee. You
survive, but with reduced prestige and chances of success.

-------------
Cluster: 1047
-------------

_NODE 28.
_NODE 10460
Francis of Beleux, brother of the slain Sir Gerald, comes to thee
to beg a boon.

{Majesty, I was my brother's squire, and now that he is slain, my
training to become a knight has ended. I wish to resume it once
again.

{I understand that Sir Thomas was not responsible for Gerald's
death, and I have seen his generous nature. I wish to be his
squire, if I may have your permission. Sir Thomas has said that he
is willing.}

Do you:
[a] give your permission.
[b] refuse your permission.
{Thank you, my liege!}
{As you command, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1048
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE 10480.
An aging woman enters your court. Her once-beautiful features have
grown hard with age. She has danced the danse macabre of Bretagnese
politics better than most, surviving when the cream of the nobility
died.

She is Catherine de Aquitaine, Queen of Bretagne, widow of the late
King Charles.
{So, you would claim my husband's throne? I have read your
"proclamations. You aren't much, but I will give you a chance. My "
husband left me with a debt of 1000 marks. If you would rule
Bretagne, then show a generous spirit. Pay a widow's debts, as any
true Christian Prince would do.}

You:
[a] threaten to imprison her.
[b] pay the sum (1 Gold).
[c] demand her backing in your quest for the throne.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE 10481.
{How dare you!

{You threaten me? I've beaten pups like you since I was a child!
Do you think that the widow of King Charles is a trifle? I held
this kingdom together while my husband squandered his birthright
through his petty wars. Do you think I can be imprisoned so easily?
I shall look upon your corpse before all is done!}

You:
[a] imprison her.
[b] expel her from your throne room.
[c] demand her backing in your claim to the throne.
_NODE 1b.
_NODE 10482.
{I suppose this means you will be expecting special favors
from me. Don't!}
You do not have the funds to pay the Queen. She is most
understanding...

{Swindler! Cheat! Falsehood maker! You'll pay for this, one
way or another! I'll make you sorry you were ever born!}
_NODE 1c.
_NODE 10483.
{I suppose you are prepared to pay for my support, and pay well.
I have a reputation for extravagance, which, while not deserved,
I strive to maintain. If you want my support, I require 3,000
marks.}

Do you:
[a] imprison her.
[b] pay 3,000 marks (3 Gold) for her support.
[c] haggle.
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE 10484.
{You will regret this! You will burn among the damned even if I
have to take you to them myself!}
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE 10485.
{How dare you do this to me! You will regret this!}
_NODE 1cb.
_NODE 10486.
{This will be an interesting partnership. My forces are at
your disposal. My cousin, Count Vichy, has been trying
to court my favor. I should like to see his face when he
hears this news.}
{You do not have the funds to pay the Queen. She is most
understanding...}

{Swindler! Cheat! Falsehood maker! I'll make you regret this!
The event of thy birth shall become a memory of great
sorrow to thee.}
_NODE 1cc.
_NODE 10487.
Do you offer:
[a] 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] 2000 marks (2 Gold).
_NODE 1ca.
_NODE 10488.
{God's wounds! What is the state of the realm in these
times, when one who would be king does barter like the
basest moneylender in an Italian port. A pox upon thy
offer, thou merchant king! And a pox upon thee. There
shall be no alliance between what is mine and thine.}
{The gratitude of princes is less than it once was.
These are pallid times, when the nobility of man, like
a flower beyond its prime, has lost its bloom, and
chivalry has wilted. I will take thy offer, and give
thee my blessing, and smile a public smile, but
there shall be no love behind it for thee.}
You cannot afford this. The Queen is not impressed.
_NODE 1cb.
_NODE 10489.
{God's wounds! What is the state of the realm in these
times, when one who would be king does barter like the
basest moneylender in an Italian port. A pox upon thy
offer, thou merchant king! And a pox upon thee. There
shall be no alliance between what is mine and thine.}
{The gratitude of princes is less than it once was.
These are pallid times, when the nobility of man, like
a flower beyond its prime, has lost its bloom, and
chivalry has wilted. I will take thy offer, and give
thee my blessing, and smile a public smile, but
there shall be no love behind it for thee.}
You cannot afford this. The Queen is not impressed.

-------------
Cluster: 1049
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE 10490.
You receive disturbing news.

{Majesty, I have word that Queen Catherine is gathering together
an army. I fear she may be planning to attack us and stake her own
claim to the throne.}

Do you:
[a] attack Queen Catherine's castle.
[b] summon the Queen to explain herself.
[c] ignore the incident.
_NODE 2a.
_NODE 10491.
We shall muster our forces, Majesty.
One of your councillors comes to you:

Majesty, our troops now surround the Queen's castle. She demands
to know why we are threatening her.

Do you:
[a] insist on her surrender.
[b] tell her that you will not tolerate rival armies in your land.
[c] attack her.
The Queen willingly becomes your prisoner, but warns that
others will not tolerate the situation.
The Queen comes to you to discuss the dilemma.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE 10492.
{A messenger will be sent.}
_NODE 2c.
_NODE 10493.
{As you wish.}
_NODE 2avictory.
_NODE 10494.
One of your councillors brings news of your victory.

{Majesty, you have defeated the forces of Queen Catherine. The Queen
did not survive.

{Although she was despised in life, in death she has found new
popularity. Her death is fast becoming a symbol of defiance against
an unlawful ruler. Once you were thought of as one of a number of
claimants to the throne. Now, the people see you as an invader who
would ravage and destroy Bretagne. I fear this victory will not be
to our advantage.}
_NODE 2adefeat.
_NODE 10495.
{Majesty, we have been defeated. Queen Catherine, her brother Count
Merose, and several other nobles have forged an alliance with our
enemies. Some of our followers have defected to their cause.}

-------------
Cluster: 1050
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE 10500.
You are brought disturbing news.

{Majesty, I have word that Count Merose is gathering together
an army. He claims that the indignities done to his sister, Queen
Catherine, demand punishment, and he intends to attack you.}

Do you:
[a] attack Count Merose.
[b] offer an apology for your actions.
[c] hire a cutthroat to murder Count Merose.
_NODE 3a.
_NODE 10501.
{We will begin mustering our forces at once.}
Your forces engage the army of Count Merose.
_NODE 3b.
_NODE 10502.
{Your apology is accepted.}
{They will not accept your apology.}
_NODE 3c.
_NODE 10503.
{But Majesty, the cutthroats are loyal to Count Merose.}

Do you:
[a] attack Count Merose instead.
[b] offer an apology for your actions instead.
[c] offer double Count Merose's usual fee for the cutthroats'
services.
_NODE 3avictory.
_NODE 10504.
News comes at last of your victory against Count Merose.

{Majesty, you have defeated the forces of Count Merose and Queen
Catherine. The Queen did not survive the battle.

{Although she was despised in life, in death she has found new
popularity. Her death is fast becoming a symbol of defiance against
tyranny. Once you were thought of as one of a number of claimants
to the throne. Now, the people see you as an invader who would
ravage and destroy Bretagne. I fear this victory will not be
to our advantage.}
_NODE 3adefeat.
_NODE 10505.
Word comes from the battlefield.

{Majesty, we have been defeated. Queen Catherine, her brother Count
Merose, and several other nobles have forged an alliance with our
enemies. Some of our followers have defected to their cause.}
_NODE 3cc.
_NODE 10506.
{Very good, Your Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1051
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE 10510.
One of your councillors appears very nervous.

{Wrong? N-nothing is wrong, Majesty. Aside from Count Merose's army,
which is coming to attack us and free Queen Catherine, but that's
a very trivial matter, isn't it? Everything's fine!}

Do you:
[a] attack Count Merose.
[b] let the army attack your position.
[c] offer to ransom the Queen.
_NODE 4a.
_NODE 10511.
{Our armies will be g-gathered, my liege.}
Your forces engage the army of Count Merose.
_NODE 4b.
_NODE 10512.
Count Merose's army at last advances on your position.
You have triumphed! The rebels are captured!
Your fight is a valiant one, but you are overwhelmed. You
you are forced to retreat, and your
stocks are looted.
_NODE 4c.
_NODE 10513.
Count Merose is interested in your offer. Do you:
[a] demand 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] demand 3000 marks (3 Gold).
[c] demand 3000 marks and their recognition of your claim as King
of Bretagne.
_NODE 4avictory.
_NODE 10514.
Your seneschal comes to discuss the recent victory over Count
Merose.

{The victory is a great one, Majesty. Count Merose was among the many
prisoners taken in the battle. It appears he had few supporters,
save the Queen. Catherine must have known it all along; once she saw
her brother, she immediately offered to swear an oath of loyalty to
you. As proof of their good faith, they have paid a ransom of 5,000
marks.

{I have placed guards at their estates who are loyal to you, and
sent them back; they will not be able to solicit help from your
enemies, and will find it difficult to flee, let alone do anything
that might harm thee. I trust these arrangements are satisfactory.}
_NODE 4adefeat.
_NODE 10515.
Your councillors bring back news of the battle.

{Majesty, we have been defeated. If we do not bring them Queen
Catherine immediately, they threaten to destroy us.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to ransom Queen Catherine.
[b] release Queen Catherine.
_NODE 4ca.
_NODE 10516.
Count Merose agrees to pay the ransom.
_NODE 4cb.
_NODE 10517.
Count Merose agrees to pay the ransom.
_NODE 4cc.
_NODE 10518.
Count Merose refuses to recognize you as the king. Instead, he
attacks!
You have triumphed! The rebels are captured and slain!
Your fight is a valiant one, but you are overwhelmed.
You are forced to retreat, and your stocks
are ransacked.
_NODE 4ac
_NODE 10519.
You are brought more bad news.

{Majesty, upon her release, Queen Catherine, her brother Count
Merose, and several other nobles forged an alliance with our
enemies. Some of our followers have defected to their cause.}

-------------
Cluster: 1052
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE 10520.
A messenger comes from the Castle of Queen Catherine.

{Majesty, the Queen is being attacked by her cousins, the Vichy.
Apparently they did not appreciate it when she recognized you as
the rightful king of Bretagne; one of the members of that family
has gathered an army to attack her.}

Do you:
[a] attack the incoming Vichy army.
[b] allow the Queen to be destroyed.
[c] try to settle the issue diplomatically.
_NODE 5a.
_NODE 10521.
_NODE 5b
_NODE 10522.
The Queen is captured and forced to renounce your claim to the
throne. The Vichy gather the remainder of her armies and integrate
them with their own, becoming more powerful.
_NODE 5c
_NODE 10523.
{A messenger will be sent to the Vichy.}
_NODE 5avictory
_NODE 10524.
{Majesty, we have repelled the attack of the Vichy against Queen
Catherine. It was a great victory!}
_NODE 5adefeat
_NODE 10525.
Bad news is brought to you in the night.

{The battle is lost, Majesty. Their forces were too much for us.

{The Queen is captured and forced to renounce your claim to the
throne. Some of your followers defect to your enemies.}

-------------
Cluster: 1053
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE 10530.
Queen Catherine comes before you, to explain her recent actions.

{Of late, a large force of hedge-robbers and other villains have
been lurking around my lands. I have been forced to increase my
guards so I have protection from these jackals. Would you have me
incapable of defending myself from a common cutthroat?}

Do you:
[a] offer to provide men to defend her keep.
[b] move her by force to a {secure place} and keep her prisoner.
[c] allow her to expand her forces.
_NODE 6a.
_NODE 10531.
{Majesty, I do not need your men; my own will suffice. If I must
swear an oath stating that I will not attack you, I shall. But
I shall not surrender my freedom or my pride.}

Do you:
[a] move her by force to a {secure place} and keep her prisoner.
[b] let her swear an oath.
_NODE 6b.
_NODE 10532.
{A secure place? Like a dungeon, I suppose. Do this if you wish,
but blood will flow, I swear it!}
_NODE 6c.
_NODE 10533.
{I imagine I am now supposed to curtsy, and thank the great King
who roused me from my chambers and brought me against my will down
a hard dangerous road to his court. Forgive me if my gratitude
is not as great as you had hoped.}

-------------
Cluster: 1054
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE 10540.
You are awoken from slumber to hear shocking news.

{Majesty, it is as we feared: Queen Catherine has not been gathering
her forces only to protect herself from hedge robbers. However,
she is not attacking us. She has launched an attack against her
cousin, Baron Darcy of Vichy!}

Of the people who are not claiming the throne, Baron Darcy has one
of the largest and most formidable armies. He has been biding his
time in the conflict, and many suspect that he is waiting for the
other claimants to weaken themselves before he presses his own
claim to the throne.

Do you:
[a] offer to assist the Queen.
[b] offer to assist the Vichy.
[c] remain neutral in this conflict.
_NODE 7a.
_NODE 10541.
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 7b.
_NODE 10542.
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 7c.
_NODE 10543.
{Very good, Majesty.}

The Vichy are allied with the Valois. The Queen is
captured and locked away in the Valois' dungeon,
never to be seen again.
The Vichy are allied with Anjou. The Queen is
captured and locked away in Anjou's dungeon,
never to be seen again.
The Vichy are allied with Aragon. The Queen is
captured and locked away in Aragon's dungeon,
never to be seen again.
The Vichy are allied with Burgundy. The Queen is
captured and locked away in Burgundy's dungeon,
never to be seen again.
The Vichy are allied with Albion. The Queen is
captured and locked away in the dungeon,
never to be seen again.

-------------
Cluster: 1055
-------------

_NODE 8.
_NODE 10550.
You are awakened from slumber with a dagger poised over your chest.

Before it can fall, the guards grab the assassin and pull him away
from you. One guard is wounded in the struggle.

{For the Queen!} he shouts as he is led away. {The friends of
Queen Catherine will smite thee down!}

Do you:
[a] have him executed immediately.
[b] place him on trial.
[c] lock him in a dungeon and throw away the key.
_NODE 8a.
_NODE 10551.
{Very good, Majesty. His head will make an interesting
decoration for the town gate.}

Nonetheless, the people are upset that the man was executed without
a trial.
_NODE 8b.
_NODE 10552.
The verdict of the trial is beyond question. The assassin is found
guilty and is drawn and quartered. However, the trial does serve
as a reminder of the people's continuing mistrust of your rule.
_NODE 8c.
_NODE 10553.
The assassin is soon forgotten. The people's anger over the death
of Queen Catherine gradually diminishes.

-------------
Cluster: 1056
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE 10560.
A messenger from Count Merose demands to see you.

{Majesty, Count Merose requires your assistance. He needs gold
to improve his fortifications, and wishes you to help pay for
them. One thousand marks would do.}

Do you:
[a] give Count Merose one thousand marks (1 Gold).
[b] refuse the demand.
_NODE 9a.
_NODE 10561.
You cannot afford to give Count Merose the gold.
The messenger frowns and leaves.
{My lord thanks you for your beneficence.}
_NODE 9b.
_NODE 10562.
{This is not a matter in which Count Merose will permit your
refusal!}

-------------
Cluster: 1057
-------------

_NODE 10.
_NODE 10570.
A messenger from the cutthroats' guild arrives in secret...

{Nice throne room you have here, m'lord, even if it is a trifle
damp. Still, wi' your winters I can sees why you'd like
to conquer the country. The climate's much better.

{I am Geoffrey the Honest. If you want us to cut the throat of
one of our best customers, it won't come cheap. 4,000 marks.}

Do you:
[a] agree to pay the price.
[b] refuse to pay.
[c] barter.
_NODE 10a.
_NODE 10571.
You cannot afford to give Geoffrey the gold. He sneers
at you, and leaves.
{You are a kind ruler. (Chuckle)}

Merose soon dies under suspicious circumstances.
_NODE 10b.
_NODE 10572.
{Well, aren't you the cheapest ruler in Christendom!}
_NODE 10c.
_NODE 10573.
{Very well, Majesty, 3,000 marks, but that's my final offer.

Do you:
[a] accept.
[b] refuse.
[c] barter.
You cannot afford to give Geoffrey the gold. He sneers
at you, and leaves.
{You are a kind ruler. (Chuckle)}

Merose soon dies under suspicious circumstances.
{Well, aren't you the cheapest ruler in Christendom!}
_NODE 10cc.
_NODE 10574.
{Majesty, this is robbery! Very well, 2,000 marks, take it or leave
it.}

Do you:
[a] accept.
[b] refuse.
[c] barter.
You cannot afford to give Geoffrey the gold. He sneers
at you, and leaves.
{I must confess that negotiating with you is not
a painless process.}

Merose soon dies under suspicious circumstances.
{Well, aren't you the cheapest ruler in Christendom!}
{I'm not going below 2,000 marks. A pleasant day to you,
Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1058
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE 10580.
A messenger comes from the Baron of Vichy.
{It was never our intent to offend you. The former Queen
is a manipulative witch, certainly no cause for distress
between us. Allow us to proceed in our own fashion and
punish this liar. It is a matter of great honor for us
that we do so.}

Do you:
[a] agree to allow them to attack the Queen.
[b] threaten to attack them if they continue to attack an
ally.
{The Queen has betrayed her word to the Baron of Vichy.
You can either stand aside, or be destroyed with her. The
Baron bears little love to thee and will be more than
happy to crush you like an ant.}

Do you:
[a] agree to allow them to attack the Queen.
[b] threaten to attack them if they continue to attack an
ally.
_NODE 11a.
_NODE 10581.
{Very good, Majesty.}

The Queen's army is soon destroyed, and the Queen is killed in the
battle.
_NODE 11b.
_NODE 10582.
{In that case, we will meet you on the field of honor.}

-------------
Cluster: 1059
-------------

_NODE 36.
_NODE 10590.
A messenger returns from the beleaguered army of Queen Catherine.

{The Queen is more than willing to accept help against the
threat of the Vichy. She would like 2 units of Infantry and
2 units of Archers.}

Do you:
[a] offer her one unit of each.
[b] offer her two units of each.
[c] offer her three units of each.
_NODE 12a.
_NODE 10591.
Your forces march to join Queen Catherine, but they are not
sufficient to defeat the Vichy. Few of your men ever
return home.
You do not have sufficient troops to send even this
meager following to the Queen. She is utterly defeated.
_NODE 12b.
_NODE 10592.
Your forces march to join Queen Catherine, but they are not
sufficient to defeat the Vichy. Few of your men ever
return home.
You do not have sufficient troops to send these units
to the Queen. She is utterly defeated.
_NODE 12c.
_NODE 10593.
Your forces march to join Queen Catherine. The Vichy
are bested! You have gained a solid ally in the Queen and
her followers.
You do not have sufficient troops to send such an army
to the Queen. She is utterly defeated.

-------------
Cluster: 1060
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE 10600.
A messenger returns from the beleaguered army of the Vichy.
{The Vichy thank you for your generous offer of
assistance, but, for our part, we need it not. We are
of course, grateful for the offer, and hope this
is a precursor of future good will between us.}

The Queen is soon destroyed.
{Insolent cur! How dare you insult the honor of
Vichy! Do you believe we would need assistance against
the rabble of the Lady Catherine? Such an obvious insult
is not to be tolerated!}

The Queen is soon defeated, and you now understand why
everyone in Bretagne despises the Vichy so intensely.

-------------
Cluster: 1061
-------------

_NODE 14.
_NODE 10610.
A guard rushes into the throne room.

{Majesty, Count Merose approaches with his army. He demands two
thousand marks in gold, or he will attack.}

Do you:
[a] attack Count Merose.
[b] pay Count Merose (2 Gold).
[c] allow him to attack you.
_NODE 14a.
_NODE 10611.
_NODE 14b.
_NODE 10612.
Your money is accepted.
You cannot afford his price. He decides to attack.
_NODE 14c.
_NODE 10613.
You have triumphed! The rebels are captured and slain!
Your fight is a valiant one, but you are overwhelmed.
You are forced to retreat, and your
stocks are completely ransacked.
_NODE 14avictory.
_NODE 10614.
{Majesty, Count Merose is defeated. Our lands are secure, for the
moment.}
_NODE 14adefeat.
_NODE 10615.
You receive word of the battle.

{Majesty, we have been beaten. That is not the worst news, however.

{Majesty, Count Merose is allied with the Valois.
The Valois and the Queen have formed an alliance,
strengthening the Valois.}
_%d {Queen Catherine recognizes the Valois claim to
_the throne.}
{Majesty, Count Merose is allied with Anjou. The Duke
of Anjou and the Queen have formed an alliance,
strengthening Anjou claim to the throne.}
_%d {Queen Catherine recognizes the Anjou claim to
_the throne.}
{Majesty, Count Merose is allied with Aragon. King
Ramiro and the Queen have formed an alliance,
strengthening Aragon's armies.}
_%d {Queen Catherine recognizes the Aragon claim to
_the throne.}
{Majesty, Count Merose is allied with Burgundy. The
Duke and the Queen have formed an alliance,
strengthening Burgundy's armies.}
_%d {Queen Catherine recognizes the Burgundian claim to
_the throne.}
{Majesty, Count Merose is allied with Albion. King
Edward and the Queen have formed an alliance,
strengthening Albion's claim to the throne.}
_NODE 14.
_NODE 10617.
A guard rushes into the throne room.

{Majesty, once again, Count Merose approaches with his army. Once
again he demands two thousand marks in gold, or he will attack.}

Do you:
[a] attack Count Merose.
[b] pay Count Merose (2 Gold).
[c] allow him to attack you.

-------------
Cluster: 1062
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE 10620.
The battle against the Vichy has begun.
_NODE 15avictory.
_NODE 10621.
{Majesty, the Vichy are defeated. Our lands are secure, for the
moment.}
_NODE 15avictory.
_NODE 10622.
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the Vichy. They have retreated
rather than press an attack in a place where they cannot be easily
reinforced, but the Queen is lost.}

-------------
Cluster: 1063
-------------

_NODE 16.
_NODE 10630.
You receive a visit from Queen Catherine.

{Greetings. I suppose one day I will regret the debt of gratitude
that I owe you. This is the way it is, in the world of kings; we
have no friendships, only alliances, and that is the one thing in
the world that is more fragile than friendship.

{Still, that is not the purpose for which I came. If you would
be king of Bretagne, you need someone capable at your side. We are
both widowed. I have spent many years in such a position. Proposing
marriage to me would be in our mutual interest.}

{Of course, you would have to divorce your wife, Edna.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to get a divorce.
[b] spurn the proposal.
The Pope will not permit your divorce. Queen Edna's
mood becomes even darker and more vile.
{As you wish. I am too old for sentimentality; you will
not experience the wrath of a woman scorned. I shall
retire to my castle, and spend the rest of my days
growing flowers...roses, I think. They like the soil
very much.}
Do you:
[a] propose marriage to Queen Catherine.
[b] spurn the proposal.
{Very good. Three fortnights should be sufficient for
planning this matter. It should be a great spectacle,
one fit for the King and Queen of Bretagne. I shall
pay for it myself, in lieu of a dowry.}
{As you wish. I am too old for sentimentality; you will
not experience the wrath of a woman scorned. I shall
retire to my castle, and spend the rest of my days
growing flowers...roses, I think. They like the soil
very much.}

-------------
Cluster: 1064
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE 10640.
_music, bells.
It is not a particularly pleasant day, but the people love a
wedding. You and Queen Catherine settle down quickly to the
affairs of state.
_NODE 10641.
_NODE The End.
_newplot.

-------------
Cluster: 1065
-------------

_NODE n10650.
_Random beginning to a mostly linear plotline.
_NODE 1.1.
_NODE n10651.
A messenger comes from the Archbishop of Chamord.

{Majesty, the archbishop is deeply distressed. Apparently, just
after your arrival in Chamord, some of your soldiers attacked and
robbed a friar. The archbishop insists that you make amends.}

Do you:
[a] claim that you are not responsible for your soldiers' misdeeds.
[b] offer to provide compensation for the friar.
[c] send the accused soldiers to a Church tribunal.
{Majesty, I fear the archbishop will not accept such an answer.}
{He shall be told, Majesty.}
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 1.2.
_NODE n10652.
A messenger comes from the Archbishop of Chamord.

{Majesty, the archbishop is upset with some of your followers. The
abbot of Guenfaire caught the sons of several of your barons
falconing on Church lands and poaching game. He insists that they
be punished.}

Do you:
[a] tell him to complain to the nobles' parents.
[b] offer compensation to the abbot.
[c] send the accused poachers to a Church tribunal.
{Majesty, I fear the archbishop will not accept such an answer.}
{He shall be told, Majesty.}
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 1.3.
_NODE n10653.
A messenger comes from the Archbishop of Chamord.

{Majesty, the archbishop is upset with some of your followers.
Initiates of Delmuir Abbey were harassed in the village of Mortain
while some of your knights neglected their chivalrous duty and watched.
This is truly barbarous behavior and not to be tolerated.}

Do you:
[a] agree, but tell him you can do nothing.
[b] offer a donation to the abbey.
[c] send the knights to a Church tribunal.
{Majesty, I fear the archbishop will not accept such an answer.}
{This is welcome, Majesty.}
{It shall be done. Thank you, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1066
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE n10660.
You are roused from slumber to greet a messenger from the Archbishop
of Chamord.

{Majesty, the archbishop wishes he did not have to bother you, but
a new problem has arisen. Last week's storm greatly damaged the
local cathedral, and he would like your assistance in providing
money to repair it.}

Do you:
[a] provide 1,000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] provide 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[c] tell him that you cannot afford it.
You cannot afford the aid you promised. The
archbishop is civil, but not particularly warm
in his response to this.
{The archbishop will be pleased, Majesty.}
You cannot afford the aid you promised. The
archbishop is civil, but not particularly warm
in his response to this.
{The archbishop will be pleased, Majesty.}
{The archbishop will not be happy, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1067
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE 10670.
A messenger comes from the Archbishop of Chamord.

{Majesty, the archbishop of Chamord is having a special service
to thank God for the quick repairs to the cathedral. He wishes to
know if you can attend.}

You are scheduled for a meeting with several important barons that
day.

Do you:
[a] ask the barons to come a few days later and attend the service.
[b] tell the archbishop that you cannot attend the service.
The barons are annoyed, but not particularly angry.
{I see. He shall be told.}

-------------
Cluster: 1068
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE 10680.
You arrive at the services to thank God for the recently repaired
Cathedral. The archbishop greets you warmly.
{Majesty, the Church is currently having a dispute involving the
ownership of certain lands. One of the friars died recently; he had
been the son of a nobleman who had been given land by his father,
but had never collected it; when the friar died, he wanted the
Church to have it. However, the friar's nephew, Baron Gestard,
claims these lands for his own.}

Do you:
[a] promise to rule fairly on this case.
[b] promise to give these lands to the Church.
[c] inform the archbishop that the friar could not keep the lands
because of his vow of poverty.
{That is all that I can ask.}
{Thank you, Majesty.}
{An interesting argument, but given that the lands remained
in his name legally, I don't see its relevance.}

-------------
Cluster: 1069
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE 10690.
At the meeting of barons, Gestard of Chamord approaches you on a
private matter.

{Majesty, I am in a difficult position. I long held lands near the
shore, cared for them, grew crops on them, and then I recently
learned that they never belonged to me, but that they belonged to
a recently deceased uncle, who retired to a monastery many years
ago, and never cared for them for a single day in his life.

{The Church is now contesting my ownership of these lands, claiming
that he left them to the Church in a will. The Church does not need
these lands, and certainly does not care for them like I do. Will
you rule in my favor in this dispute?}

Do you:
[a] promise to judge this case impartially.
[b] promise to rule in his favor.
[c] tell him that the law clearly favors the Church.
{Impartially? When has a judge ever been impartial?}
{Thank you, Majesty.}
{Law, humbug!}

-------------
Cluster: 1070
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE 10700.
You reside over the dispute between the Church and Baron Gestard.

It is clear that the law is with the Church, but Gestard would
suffer if the Church is awarded the lands.

Do you:
[a] rule in favor of the Church.
[b] rule in favor of Gestard.
[c] grant Gestard some of the lands as a fee for their upkeep.
The Church is pleased.
Gestard is pleased.
Neither side is truly pleased. Sometimes, Solomon's
judgments seem less wise in these times.

-------------
Cluster: 1071
-------------

_Random event in a linear plotline.
_NODE 10710.
_NODE 7.1.
_NODE 10711.
One of your knights approaches you.

{Majesty, I have been approached by a merchant named Trebonius.
He has been selling saints' relics of dubious quality. I would have
arrested him, but he is willing to pay handsome fees for
permission to sell his items, and is offering you 3,000 marks. The
archbishop of Chamord, however, would prefer it if he were
imprisoned.}

This is the same rogue Trebonius who caused that uproar in
Albion in your father's time.

Do you:
[a] accept his 3,000 marks (3 Gold) to sell relics.
[b] imprison him.
[c] order him removed from your lands.
{As you wish, Majesty.}
{I am certain that all will praise your wisdom, Majesty.}
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 7.2.
_NODE n10712.
One of your knights approaches you.

{Majesty, there is a dispute between one of your barons and the
the Church. The Church claims he has not paid his tithes, as he
had promised, and wishes you, as his liegelord, to collect the
2,000 marks that he owes them. The baron, of course, claims the
Church has no authority to enforce a promise.}

Do you:
[a] insist the baron pay his debt, or you'll confiscate his
possessions.
[b] pay 2,000 marks (2 Gold) yourself.
[c] ignore the problem.
{As you wish, Majesty.}
You cannot afford to pay his debt.
The money is paid. The archbishop sends a message
of gratitude.
{Very well.}
_NODE 7.3.
_NODE n10713.
The Church brings a matter to your attention.

{While it is a tragedy when anyone does not follow the ways of Our
Lord, it has recently come to our attention that there is a large
enclave of pagans worshipping in the forest near the town of Dordogne.
These misguided folk must be purged from our realm before more
innocent people are corrupted.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry into the forest to clear out pagans.
[b] ignore the problem.
You do not have enough infantry to send.
The infantry are dispatched to Dordogne.
You receive word that the pagan camp near Dordogne has
been destroyed. The Church is quite happy.
The Church is most displeased at your lack of piety.

-------------
Cluster: 1072
-------------

_NODE n10720.
_Random event in a linear plotline.
_NODE 8.1
_NODE n10721.
One of your knights approaches you.

{Majesty, one of the bishops has been writing a theological
paper that argues that in a time when there is no clear ruler,
the Church has the moral obligation to intervene in the political
affairs of the State. This piece of writing is clearly meant as an
attack on your claim to the throne.}

Do you:
[a] order the paper burned.
[b] discuss your concerns with the Archbishop.
[c] ignore the paper.
_NODE 8.2.
_NODE n10722.
The Church brings a matter to your attention.

{Majesty, some excommunicated Knights Templar have taken revenge
against us by attacking our abbeys and churches. We desperately
need your aid.}

Do you:
[a] send your army to attack the Templars.
[b] refuse to help.
Your army goes out to battle the Templars.
The Church then turns to one of your rivals, who
defeats the Templars.
_NODE 8.3.
_NODE n10723.
The Church brings a matter to your attention.

{Majesty, there has been a sighting of the Virgin Mary in the town
of Dordogne. Many pilgrims are flocking there, but their travels have
also attracted bandits. Could you send infantry to guard
the road and make it safe for the thousands of pilgrims?}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry.
[b] send a unit of Infantry and make a pilgrimage yourself.
[c] tell the Church you cannot spare the men.
You cannot spare the men.
The men are sent.
You cannot spare the men. Nonetheless, your
example is an inspirational one, and the Church
is only slightly annoyed.
The example you set is an inspirational one.
{It is a shame that such a magnificent event, the blessing
of God, must be tainted by the failings of man. Perhaps
showing this to us was the purpose of the vision.}
_NODE n10724.
{It shall be done, Majesty.}
_NODE n10725.
The archbishop arrives to discuss the bishop's distasteful paper
on Papal intervention during civil war.

{Majesty, the bishop's position was not that of mine, nor that of
His Holiness. Given the Pope's recent misfortunes, he does have
concerns, but he certainly does not wish to usurp the responsibilities
of temporal rulers, only to guide them spiritually.

{I will discuss your concerns with the bishop; I would not worry
about the Church. No one wishes to undermine your position or claim
to the throne.}
_NODE n10726.
The archbishop arrives to discuss the bishop's distasteful paper
on Papal intervention during civil war.

{Majesty, I have heard that you might be upset about a certain paper
that was written by one of the bishops.

{I will discuss your concerns with the bishop; I would not worry
about the Church. No one wishes to undermine your position or claim
to the throne.}
_NODE n10727.
Your army battles against the excommunicated templars.
You have triumphed. The templars have been defeated. A
great menace has been destroyed. There is much rejoicing
in the monasteries and abbeys of Bretagne.
You are no match for the fierce cavalry of the templars.
However, the losses they suffer in battling your armies
were severe enough that they are no longer a threat.

-------------
Cluster: 1073
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n10730.
You receive a messenger from the archbishop.

{I bring word that the archbishop has been judging your recent actions.

{He has found you to be a kind and goodly son of the Church.
He recommends that the Pope recognize your claim to the
throne.}
{The archbishop finds some of your decisions to be
less than wise, but on the whole, you have shown yourself
to be a dedicated and Christian ruler. May you continue
on this course.}
{The archbishop finds much that is lacking in you. You have
little dedication to the Church. He cannot support your
claim to the throne.}
{The archbishop finds your actions hostile to God and His
Holy Church. He has recommended to the Pope that you
be excommunicated.
He has asked his friends not to support you or
your ambitions.}

-------------
Cluster: 1074
-------------

_NODE n10740.
_NODE 10.
A messenger comes from his Holiness, the Pope.

{Majesty, your actions against His Holiness have been un-Christian
and despicable. You truly deserve the sanction that you have
received.

{Nonetheless, his Holiness is prepared to grant absolution for your
sins, if you will apologize for your misdeeds and offer 5,000 marks
to the Church as a token of your regret.}

Do you:
[a] apologize and give him 5,000 marks (5 Gold).
[b] refuse.
[c] promise to cede land to the Church.
_NODE 10A.
_NODE n10741.
You do not have the gold. The papal envoy frowns.
{I suppose the willingness to repent is the first step. I
shall light candles for your redemption.}
{Absolution is yours. May God keep you on the path of
righteousness.}
_NODE 10B.
_NODE n10742.
The Pope calls for good Christians to avoid you. There are many
desertions from your cause.
_NODE 10B.
_NODE n10743.
{Promises are easily made.}

Many of your followers defect from your cause.

-------------
Cluster: 1075
-------------

_NODE 10750.
_NODE 1.
A representative comes from the Empire of the Teutons.

{Louis, Prince of Bavaria, Defender of Rome, Emperor of the Teutons,
brings his personal greetings -- and a plea for help.

{The Saracens are on the move. Their navies control most of the
Adriatic, and the Mediterranean. The Emperor fears that they will
soon advance on Constantinople; if the pearl of the East falls, all
of Christendom will be in peril.}

Do you:
[a] promise to help the emperor.
[b] tell him that you cannot help at this time.
{We will let you know what he needs in due course.}
{Alas, I am greatly afraid.}

-------------
Cluster: 1076
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE 10760.
A representative comes from the Empire of the Teutons.

{Louis, Prince of Bavaria, Defender of Rome, Emperor of the Teutons,
brings his personal greetings. I suspect you will have already heard
these grim tidings.

{The Empire and his Venetian allies engaged the Saracen fleet near
Ragusa. The battle did not go well for us, although we prevented
the heathens from sacking the city.

{We are greatly in need of timber. We need 50,000 boards to rebuild
our navy. Can you help?}

Do you:
[a] tell him that you cannot help.
[b] offer 30,000 boards (3 units of timber).
[c] offer 50,000 boards (5 units of timber).
{That is most unfortunate. Very unfortunate indeed.}
You do not have enough wood to contribute to the
effort.
{This will be a start, at least.}
_%d{The combined fleet of the Empire and Venice
_are defeated by Saracens near Ragusa. You agree to
_help supply the Empire with badly needed lumber.}
You do not have enough wood to contribute to the
effort.
{Excellent. You will have our gratitude.}

-------------
Cluster: 1077
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE 10770.
A papal envoy comes to visit.

{Majesty, I give you a chance for absolution from your
sins. The Pope will lift his interdict on you if you
agree to aid the Empire against the menace of the
Saracens.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that you cannot help.
[b] agree to aid the Empire.
{Cannot? Or is it will not?}
{Then you are absolved of your sins. May God
guide you, and protect your soul from those
who would harm it.}
{My lord, the Empire badly needs the help of every
Christian lord who can provide assistance. The Saracen
menace is quite real, and most dangerous. His Holiness
understands your present difficulties, but he would like
you, and others, to try to assist this effort to save
Christendom.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that you cannot help.
[b] agree to aid the Empire.
{Cannot? Or is it will not?}
{Excellent.}

-------------
Cluster: 1078
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE 10780.
A representative comes from the Empire of the Teutons.

{Louis, Prince of Bavaria, Defender of Rome, Emperor of the Teutons,
brings his personal greetings.

{We are still greatly in need of timber. We have come to see if you
can now help us.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that you cannot help.
[b] offer 30,000 boards (3 units of timber).
[c] offer 50,000 boards (5 units of timber).
{That is most unfortunate. Very unfortunate indeed.}
You do not have enough wood to contribute to the
effort.
{This will be a start, at least.}
You do not have enough wood to contribute to the
effort.
{Excellent. You will have our gratitude.}

-------------
Cluster: 1079
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE 10790.
A messenger comes from the Italian province of Lombardy.

{The Prince of Genoa is upset by your support for his rival, the
Prince of Venice. Your support for the Empire enables the Empire's
ally, Venice, to continue its war against our lands. We wish you to
stop aiding them, or I fear we will have to consider you our enemy.}

Do you:
[a] declare that you are not afraid of them.
[b] inform them that you will consider their words (and forget about
them.)
[c] insist you are helping the cause of Christendom.
{But you will be.}
{We really do not wish to go to war against you, but
we will if we must.}
{We only see the ships of Venice sinking the ships of Genoa.
How does that help Christendom?}

-------------
Cluster: 1080
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE 10800.
A messenger comes to you.

{Majesty, several of the local barons are renouncing their support
for you. They say they will not endanger their souls by defying a
papal interdict; until your excommunication has been absolved, they
defy you.}

Do you:
[a] attack the barons.
[b] ask the Pope for absolution.
{It should not take very long to gather for an attack on
these upstarts.}
{I shall send a messenger, expressing your wish.}

-------------
Cluster: 1081
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE 10810.
Merchants ask for an emergency meeting with you.

{Majesty, since the Saracens defeated the Venetian fleet at the
battle of Ragusa, they have increasingly staked a claim on the
entire Mediterranean. Our merchant ships are being harried.

{In addition, pirates from the south Mediterranean are getting
bolder, taking advantage of the diminished naval presence. Our
trade is being destroyed. We need your help!}

Do you:
[a] explain that you are only the king and that you do not have the
power to help.
[b] offer to send infantry to guard land-based trade caravans.
[c] send a messenger to the Empire to negotiate a plan.
{I see. You expect us to help ourselves?!!}
{Majesty, even if a land-based route for these goods are
profitable, which they aren't, all the kings in Christendom
do not have the power to safeguard such a road, especially
with the wars between the Saracens and the Empire in the
Balkans.}
{A messenger shall be sent.}

-------------
Cluster: 1082
-------------

_NODE 8.
_NODE 10820.
Scouts from the south bring a disturbing report.

{Majesty, forces belonging to the Duke of Genoa are slowly moving
towards us, and I don't think they have peace in mind!}

Do you:
[a] threaten to ally with Venice to attack Genoa if they continue
advancing.
[b] promise to cut all ties with Venice if they turn back.
[c] welcome the attack.
A messenger returns from the advancing army of Genoa.

{Majesty, they feel that we are already Venice's ally, and
will not stop until we are destroyed.}
A messenger returns from the advancing army of Genoa.

{They say that they are willing to give us a chance to prove
ourselves.}
{It will be some time before they will arrive.}

-------------
Cluster: 1083
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE 10830.
A messenger comes from the Prince of Venice.

{Majesty, we are finding it difficult to rebuild our fleet. The
Duke of Genoa has taken advantage of our moment of weakness to press
old scores, and we find ourselves hard pressed to match him. We need
your help against Genoa, or we will never be able to defeat the
Saracens.}

Do you:
[a] tell him you have no desire to get involved in his personal war.
[b] offer to mediate the dispute.
[c] offer military assistance.
{I can understand this, but it is short-sighted.}
{I do not believe that is possible, but you may try.}
{Excellent. How about three units of knights?}

Do you offer:
[a] offer three units of Infantry.
[b] offer three units of Archers.
[c] offer three units of Knights.
You do not have that many infantry.
{Thank you, Majesty.}
You do not have that many archers.
{Thank you, Majesty.}
You do not have that many knights.
{Thank you, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1084
-------------

_NODE 10.
_NODE 10840.
Scouts from the south bring a disturbing report.

{Majesty, forces belonging to the Duke of Genoa are slowly moving
towards us, and I don't think they have peace in mind!}

Do you:
[a] threaten to ally with Venice to attack Genoa if they continue
advancing.
[b] promise to cut all ties with Venice if they turn back.
[c] welcome the attack.
A messenger returns from the advancing army of Genoa.

{Majesty, they feel that we are already Venice's ally, and
will not stop until we are destroyed.}
A messenger returns from the advancing army of Genoa.

{They say that they are willing to give us a chance to prove
ourselves.}
{It will be some time before they will arrive.}
_NODE 10845.
Battle is joined against the rebellious barons...
...and you triumph! The barons are slain in battle.
However, the Church portrays them as martyrs, who had the
courage to confront a corrupt tyrant. Their deaths embolden
your enemies.

-------------
Cluster: 1085
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE 10850.
The papal legate, Cardinal Vellsino, arrives.

{I am sorry I was delayed so long. It seems you have solved
your problems with His Holiness without my help. My heart
rejoices in your salvation.}
{His Holiness has asked me to help you return to the fold.
Gladly I will help you, but penance must be made. You must
cede land to the Church. May God guide you.}

-------------
Cluster: 1086
-------------

_NODE 12.
_NODE 10860.
Merchants ask for an emergency meeting with you.

{Majesty, our merchant ships are being sunk at will. Something
must be done, or else there will be no fleet.}

Do you:
[a] allow the merchants access to your forests and let them build
their own fleet.
[b] send a messenger to the Empire to negotiate a plan.
{That is better than nothing, I suppose.}
{A messenger shall be sent.}

-------------
Cluster: 1087
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE 10870.
A messenger comes from the Empire.

{Given that it is in our mutual interest to protect the
Mediterranean, we will help you. We require eight units of timber
for which we will pay 12,000 marks. Have it ready for us in 90
days, and we will build a fleet that will make the Mediterranean
safe again.}
_NODE 13a.
_NODE 10871.
A messenger comes from the Empire.

{You do not have the wood that we asked for. That is most
unfortunate.}

The messenger turns, and without your permission, leaves.
{I see you have the wood. The Emperor has given me 13,000
marks to offer you for it.}

Do you:
[a] accept 13,000 marks (13 Gold).
[b] ask for 14,000 marks (14 Gold).
[c] refuse the offer.
{Excellent!}
{The Emperor does not have a high opinion of greed!}

Do you:
[a] insist on 14,000 marks.
[b] lower your price to 13,000 marks.
{You shall have your 14,000 marks.}
{That is better.}
{As you wish. Do not ask the Emperor for favors in
the future.}

-------------
Cluster: 1088
-------------

_NODE 14.
_NODE 10880.
Battle is joined against the expeditionary force from Genoa.
You have triumphed! Genoa is forced to retreat.
Your fight is a valiant one, but you are overwhelmed.
The Empire sends a messenger to Genoa warning them not to
press their attack, but the result is a major humiliation.

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1089
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE 10890.
A messenger comes from the Holy Teuton Empire.

{Majesty, we are being hard pressed by the Saracens all along the
Balkans. We need help. We and Venice are planning to launch our entire
fleet against them, and force openings where we can land
reinforcements, but our ports will be defenseless.

{We need timber. We will pay 10,000 marks for 7,000 boards of timber.
We require it in ninety days, and will return at that time to take
it from you, if you have it.}

Do you:
[a] agree to try to gather seven units of Timber.
[b] refuse.
{Thank you, Majesty.}
{Then we are doomed.}
_NODE 15a.
_NODE 10891.
A messenger comes from Genoa.

{We have reason to believe that you lied to us! You are plotting with
Venice and the Empire against us! We shall destroy you!}

Do you:
[a] dismiss the messenger.
[b] tell him that it is your Christian duty to aid the fight against the
Saracens.
{This will not be tolerated!}
_NODE 15aa.
_NODE 10892.
A messenger comes from Genoa.

{Our armies are coming. We demand your entire supply of timber, gold,
grain, and iron, or we will destroy you!}

Do you:
[a] kill the messenger.
[b] agree to his demands.
You will pay for... [thunk]
{Then we shall have peace.}
_NODE 15battle.
_NODE 10893.
Your forces engage those of Genoa...
You have triumphed! Genoa is forced to retreat.
Your fight is a valiant one, but you are overwhelmed.
The Empire sends a messenger to Genoa warning them not to
press their attack, but the result is a major humiliation.
_NODE 15aab.
_NODE 10894.
A messenger comes from the Empire to receive the wood that you
promised.

{You do not have the wood that we asked for. That is most
unfortunate.}

The messenger turns, and without your permission, leaves.
{I see you have the wood. The Emperor has given me 11,000
marks to offer you for it.}

Do you:
[a] accept 11,000 marks (11 Gold).
[b] ask for 12,000 marks (12 Gold).
[c] refuse the offer.
{Excellent!}
{The Emperor does not have a high opinion of greed!}

Do you:
[a] insist on 12,000 marks.
[b] lower your price to 11,000 marks.
{We shall find timber elsewhere.}
{That is better.}
{As you wish. Do not ask the Emperor for favors in
the future.}

-------------
Cluster: 1090
-------------

_NODE 16.
_NODE 10900.
A messenger comes from the Holy Teuton Empire.

{Majesty, we are being hard pressed by the Saracens all along the
Balkans. We need help. We and Venice are planning to launch our entire
fleet against them, and force openings where we can land
reinforcements, but our ports will be defenseless.

{We need timber. We will pay 12,000 marks for 8,000 boards of timber.
We require it in ninety days, and will return at that time to take
it from you, if you have it.}

Do you:
[a] agree to try to gather 8 units of Timber.
[b] refuse.
{Thank you, Majesty.}
{Then we are doomed.}
_NODE 16a.
_NODE 10901.
A messenger comes from the Empire to receive the wood that you
promised.

{You do not have the wood that we asked for. That is most
unfortunate.}

The messenger turns, and without your permission, leaves.
{I see you have the wood. The Emperor has given me 12,000
marks to offer you for it.}

Do you:
[a] accept 12,000 marks (12 Gold).
[b] ask for 13,000 marks (13 Gold).
[c] refuse the offer.
{Excellent!}
{The Emperor does not have a high opinion of greed!}

Do you:
[a] insist on 13,000 marks.
[b] lower your price to 12,000 marks.
{We shall find timber elsewhere.}
{That is better.}
{As you wish. Do not ask the Emperor for favors in
the future.}

-------------
Cluster: 1091
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE 10910.
You meet with representatives of Genoa and Venice.

It is clear that both sides have rivalries that date back for
generations, intensified by fierce trading competition. You have
a feeling that no force on Earth can permanently resolve the
dispute. Neither side trusts the other.

Do you:
[a] try to get them to agree to a five year truce.
[b] insist on a truce and threaten to attack the first one that
breaks it.
[c] give up on the peace process.
By the time the two sides finish arguing, the truce is
whittled down to two years, and each noble agrees to
offer one of their family members as hostages.

Do you:
[a] agree not to interfere in the process.
[b] urge them to extend the truce to four years.
For the first few months, the truce holds.
Reluctantly, the two sides agree.
You cannot get the two sides to extend their
truce.
Neither side will agree to negotiate under threats.
Without a determined mediator, the chances for peace
fade.

-------------
Cluster: 1092
-------------

_NODE 18.
_NODE 10940.
Merchants come to meet with you.

{We have finished building our fleet, as you instructed.
We do require soldiers for our ships. We will pay 3,000 marks
for each unit of infantry you are willing to provide.}

Do you:
[a] offer one unit of Infantry.
[b] offer two units of Infantry.
[c] offer three units of Infantry.
[d] offer five units of Infantry.
[e] tell him that you cannot provide any men for his ships.
You do not have enough infantry.
{Very good, m'lord.}
You do not have enough infantry.
{Very good, m'lord.}
You do not have enough infantry.
{Very good, m'lord.}
You do not have enough infantry.
{Very good, m'lord.}
{I am very disappointed, m'lord.}

-------------
Cluster: 1093
-------------

_NODE 19.
_NODE 10930.
One of your knights brings you a disturbing report.

{Majesty, Venice has been attacked and overwhelmed by the Saracen
fleet. Its possessions on the Adriatic Coast are expected to be
lost, the city was sacked before the army that was attacking the
Genovese returned to expel the invaders.

{It will take a long time for Christendom to recover. Constantinople
has little hope of withstanding the Saracen attack; most of the
Balkan states must now pay tribute to the Saracens, and Hungary and
the Empire will be threatened.}

-------------
Cluster: 1094
-------------

_NODE 20.
_NODE 10940.
In the early morning hours, a messenger arrives.

{Great tidings, Majesty! A combined fleet from Venice and Hungary
defeated the Saracens near Zara. The Mediterranean is firmly under
Christian control!}

-------------
Cluster: 1095
-------------

_NODE 21.
An emissary arrives from the Holy Teuton Empire.

{We have had a poor harvest this last year, and are in bad need of
grain. We anticipate problems later this year; and would like your
assistance. We are prepared to pay 15,000 marks for 10 tonnes of
grain; if you can supply this amount of grain in ninety days, we
will gladly pay you this handsome sum.}

Do you:
[a] agree to try to provide the (10 Units of) Grain.
[b] tell him you do not believe you can provide it.
{We will return in ninety days.}
{I appreciate your honesty in this matter. Farewell.}
_NODE 21a.
_NODE 10951.
A messenger comes from the Empire to receive the grain that you
promised.

{You do not have the grain that we asked for. That is most
unfortunate.}

The messenger turns, and without your permission, leaves.
{I see you have the grain. The Emperor has given me 15,000
marks to offer you for it.}

Do you:
[a] accept 15,000 marks (15 Gold).
[b] ask for 16,000 marks (16 Gold).
[c] refuse the offer.
{Excellent!}
{The Emperor does not have a high opinion of greed!}

Do you:
[a] insist on 16,000 marks.
[b] lower your price to 15,000 marks.
{We shall find grain elsewhere.}
{That is better.}
{As you wish. Do not ask the Emperor for favors in
the future.}

-------------
Cluster: 1096
-------------

_NODE 21.
_NODE 10960.
An informant comes to you from Aachen, capital of the Holy
Teuton Empire.

_NODE 10961.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize the
Duke of Burgundy as the rightful ruler of Bretagne,
and has sent him considerable resources.}
_NODE 10962.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize the
King of Aragon as the rightful ruler of Bretagne,
and has sent him considerable resources.}
_NODE 10963.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize the
Count of Valois as the rightful ruler of Bretagne,
and has sent him considerable resources.}
_NODE 10964.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize the
Duke of Anjou as the rightful ruler of Bretagne,
and has sent him considerable resources.}
_NODE 10965.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize the
King of Albion as the rightful ruler of Bretagne,
and has sent him considerable resources.}
_NODE 10966.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to repay your
recent kindness, and is sending you considerable
resources.}
_NODE 10967.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize you
as the rightful ruler of Bretagne, and has sent you
considerable resources.}
_NODE 21d.
_NODE 10968.
{Majesty, the Emperor Louis has decided that he will not support
any of the claimants to the throne. He had hoped to support you,
but you did not prove cooperative.}

-------------
Cluster: 1100
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n11004.
A messenger rides from the coast.

{Majesty, our last ship bearing goods from the Baltics has been sunk.
Several ships flying the colors of the King of Denmark were seen
in the area shortly after the attack. The ship was taking an
eastward route near Flanders, which, as you know, borders on the
routes favored by the Danes.}

Do you:
[a] send a messenger to Denmark.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
[c] order your ships to stay clear of Danish territory.
{Our best diplomat will be sent.}
{This will take time, but I will see that this is done.}
{The order shall be given, your Majesty.}
_NODE 2.
_NODE n11005.
A messenger comes from the Danes.

{We deny any allegations of wrongdoing regarding our trading vessels
in the channel. Of course, it would be within our rights to defend
ourselves from an invasion from a foreign power. I repeat, we have
done nothing wrong.}

Do you:
[a] tell the Danes that any further sinkings will be regarded as an
act of war.
[b] tell him that any Danish ships spotted in the Channel will be sunk.
[c] dismiss him contemptuously.
_NODE 2a.
_NODE n11006.
{We regret that you have chosen such a severe response to our
legitimate actions. I am certain that, in time, you will come to
regret it too.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to continue negotiating with Denmark.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE n11007.
{That will likely prove most difficult.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to continue negotiating with Denmark.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE n11008.
{How rude!}

Do you:
[a] attempt to continue negotiating with Denmark.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.

-------------
Cluster: 1101
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n11010.
A messenger comes from the coast.

{My liege, we are having difficulty persuading the merchants to
willingly conscript their vessels to our service. We are either
going to have to pay them a good amount of money, or we will have
to take them by force, which will make many people quite angry.}

Do you:
[a] confiscate ships without compensation.
[b] authorize 2,000 marks (2 Gold) for compensation.
[c] authorize 4,000 marks (4 Gold) for compensation.
_NODE 3a.
_NODE n11011.
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 3b.
_NODE n11012.
{You cannot afford that, Majesty. The ships will have to be
confiscated.}
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 3c.
_NODE n11013.
{You cannot afford that, Majesty. The ships will have to be
confiscated.}
You cannot afford that. Do you:
[a] confiscate ships without compensation.
[b] authorize 2,000 marks for compensation.
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 4.
_NODE n11015.
Your advisors bear disturbing news.

{Majesty, the Danes are blockading the channel. From St. Pol de
Leon in the west, to Utrecht in the East, the Channel is being
closed to our ships. The Danish fleet is not large, and
the blockade is not likely to be successful in the long term, but
we need a dependable flow of supplies if we are to
claim the throne of Bretagne.}

Do you:
_NODE n11015.
[a] make an alliance with Flanders and the Empire to keep trade
open.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
[c] attempt to negotiate with Denmark.
_NODE 4a.
_NODE n11016.
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 4b.
_NODE n11017.
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 4c.
_NODE n11018.
{Perhaps we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed.}

-------------
Cluster: 1102
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n11020.
As more of your ships sink, the emissary from the court of the King
Denmark arrives to discuss the crisis in the Channel.

{Majesty, there is a grave misunderstanding here. We seek only to
limit those supplies that might be used to harm the territories and
vassals of the King of Denmark. If you would give us permission to
search your ships for weapons and soldiers, this unpleasantness can
be avoided.}

Do you:
[a] make an alliance with Flanders and the Empire to keep trade
open.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
[c] allow the Danes to search your ships.
_NODE 5a.
_NODE n11021.
{Involving foreign powers in these affairs will only make things
worse. You know as well as I that the Emperor of the Teutons would
dearly love to stake a claim on the Bretagnese throne!}
_NODE 5b.
_NODE n11022.
{So, you reject the course of reason!}
_NODE 5c.
_NODE n11023.
{Excellent. The King will be most pleased.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE n11025.
One of your spies comes to you, offering information.

{Majesty, your master of ships is too cowardly to tell you this, so
I felt that I should bear the bad tidings.

{The vast majority of ships that you confiscated are not battle
ready. They need repair. If I were you, I would send at least
20,000 boards of lumber to your shipyard, or you will have a sinking
disaster on your hands.}

Do you:
[a] send 20,000 boards (2 units of Timber) to the shipyard.
[b] ignore the warning.
Alas, you do not have enough wood in stock. You must
make do without it.
{When your victory is a glorious one, remember me,
Majesty.}
{Do not say that you were not warned!}
_NODE 6a.
_NODE n11026.
Word comes from the Channel, where a great battle between your
navy and that of Denmark has taken place.

{Majesty, we have been beaten. Denmark has razed our fleet
and won the day, though their losses were also heavy. Majesty,
what shall we now do?}

[a] conscript more ships and stage a counter-attack.
[b] surrender control of the Channel to the Danes.
_NODE 6b.
_NODE n11027.
_sound, bells.
A messenger comes from the Channel, where a great victory has
been won.

{Majesty, the Channel is ours! The Danes had their ships spread
thinly, to enforce the blockade, and we attacked in force, a ship
at a time. By the time they realized what was happening, one-fifth
of their fleet had been sunk, and by the time they could gather
their ships into a potent force, one-third of them had been sunk and
we outnumbered them by two to one. The fight began in earnest near
the Flanders town of Sluis; God graced us with few casualties, but we
estimate that at least two-thirds of the Danish fleet has been
destroyed. It will be quite some time before they can threaten
our control of the Channel.}
_NODE 6aa.
_NODE n11028.
{They have not seen the last of us!}
_NODE 6ab.
_NODE n11029.
{This is most disheartening, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1103
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n11030.
_NODE 7a.
_NODE n11031.
Word comes from the Channel, where a great battle between your
navy and that of the Danes has taken place.

{Majesty, we have been beaten. The Danes have razed our fleet
and won the day, though their losses were also heavy. Majesty,
what shall we now do?}

[a] conscript more ships and stage a counter-attack.
[b] surrender control of the Channel to the Danes.
_NODE 7b.
_NODE n11032.
_sound, bells.
A messenger comes from the Channel, where a great victory has
been won.

{Majesty, the Channel is ours! The Danes had their ships spread
thinly, to enforce the blockade, and we attacked in force, a ship
at a time. By the time they realized what was happening, one-third
of their fleet had been sunk, and by the time they could gather
their ships into a potent force, one-half of them had been sunk and
we outnumbered them by three to one.
{The fight began in earnest near
the Flanders town of Sluis; God graced us with few casualties, but we
estimate that at least four-fifths of the Danish fleet has been
destroyed. It will be quite some time before they can threaten
our control of the channel.}
_NODE 8.
_NODE n11035.
You receive a messenger from his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Louis IV
of the Teutons, Franks, and Saxons. He bears a message, which reads
as follows:

{It is good to hear from you again. While your struggle interests
me, my affairs render me incapable of offering the assistance you
ask. As you know, my eastern provinces have fallen under attack from
infidels, and my resources are strained.

{I am deeply disturbed that the Danes have chosen to disrupt the
flow of trade between you and our western province of Flanders.
I have dispatched a messenger to the Danes, expressing my
displeasure. Should this message benefit you, I pray that you would
remember my needs should darker days befall the Empire. Cordially,
Louis, Defender of Rome, Emperor of the West.}

Apparently the Emperor's messenger was effective; Denmark soon ends
the blockade. You hope that the price will not be too high...

-------------
Cluster: 1104
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n11040.
One of your counsellors brings a complaint.

{Majesty, the Danes are nothing more than pirates. They have boarded
our ships frequently of late, and are stealing our supplies. This
practice must be stopped!}

Do you:
[a] surrender control of the Channel to the Danes.
[b] make an alliance with Flanders and the Empire to keep trade
open.
[c] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
_NODE 9.
_NODE n11041.
A monk brings an interesting proposition.

{Majesty, I have read references to the work of Archimedes in the
defense of Syracuse. It is said that he focused the rays of the
sun with a giant mirror and used the sun's rays to ignite enemy
ships.

{I might be able to build a copy of this device, though the costs
would be horribly expensive: at least 2,000 marks.}

Do you:
[a] provide money (2 Gold) for his experiment.
[b] continue the rebuilding of your fleet.
You do not have the money to finance the experiment.
{It should not be difficult, with the proper funds.}
{I am sorry that I cannot help you, my liege.}
_NODE 10.
_NODE n11042.
One of your commanders brings a report on the rebuilding of your
fleet.

{Majesty, we have seen the Danish fleet converging towards the
shipyards of Caen. I fear they plan to burn our ships before they
can be built.}

Do you:
[a] order as many ships as possible to be moved.
[b] send three units of archers to guard the harbor.
Some of your ships are pulled away. The local militia does
their best to protect the shipyards, and you are fortunate
that your losses are not heavy.
The archers are not available. You manage to
pull some of your ships out of the shipyard without
damaging them too badly.
Strategically stationed, the archers perform
magnificently. The Danish fleet turns aside, rather
than risk heavy losses.
_NODE 10a.
_NODE n11043.
You receive a message from your master of ships.

{Majesty, due to the great losses at the last battle, your
fleet badly needs commanders. It may weaken your army, but
we need them.}

Do you:
[a] supply your generals.
[b] refuse.
{Thank you, my liege.}
{I fear for our chances, Majesty.}
_NODE 10b.
_NODE n11044.
You receive a message from your master of ships.

{Majesty, due to the great losses at the last battle, your
fleet badly needs commanders. It may weaken your army, but
we need them.}

Do you:
[a] supply your generals.
[b] refuse.
{Thank you, my liege.}
{I fear for our chances, Majesty.}
_NODE 11a.
_NODE n11045.
Word comes from the Channel, where a great battle between your
navy and that of Denmark has taken place.

{Majesty, we have been beaten. Denmark has razed our fleet
and won the day. It seems likely that their fleet will control
the Channel for years to come.}
_NODE 11b.
_NODE n11046.
_sound, bells.
A messenger comes from the Channel, where a great victory has
been won.

{Majesty, the Channel is ours! The Danes had their ships spread
thinly, to enforce the blockade, and we attacked in force, a ship
at a time. By the time they realized what was happening, one-fifth
of their fleet had been sunk, and by the time they could gather
their ships into a potent force, one-third of them had been sunk and
we outnumbered them by two to one. God graced us with few casualties,
but we estimate that at least two-thirds of the Danish fleet has been
destroyed. It will be quite some time before they can threaten
our control of the Channel.}
_NODE 12.
_NODE n11047.
One of your spies offers information.

{Majesty, we have reason to believe Lord Giles de Valois
stirred up the Danes to attack you, in order to destroy
our relations with the Count, his cousin.}

Do you:
[a] inform the Count of his treachery.
[b] ignore the report.
{The Count does not believe you.}
Life continues as usual...
{Majesty, we have reason to believe Lord Roger of
Westhampton stirred up the Danes to attack you, in order
to destroy our relations.}

Do you:
[a] inform the King of Albion of his treachery.
[b] ignore the report.
{The King does not believe you.}
Life continues as usual...
_NODE 13.
_NODE n11048.
A messenger comes from the Empire.

{Now that these Danes have been dealt with, the Emperor wishes
you to know that we need resources. Either wood, gold, food or
iron will do. At least two of either of these commodities will be
needed.}
_NODE n11049(0)

Do you:
[a] offer two Timber.
[b] offer two Food.
[c] offer two Iron.
[d] offer two Gold.
[e] tell him that you cannot aid him at this time.
{Don't make promises you can't keep.}
{We are grateful, your lordship.}
{Don't make promises you can't keep.}
{We are grateful, your lordship.}
{Don't make promises you can't keep.}
{We are grateful, your lordship.}
{Don't make promises you can't keep.}
{We are grateful, your lordship.}
{I suppose we must accept this, but it does not bode well
for your future as King of Bretagne if you cannot display
gratitude toward your friends.}

-------------
Cluster: 1105
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n11050.
{Majesty, these men insisted on...}

A delegation of peasants has gotten past the guards and insists on
seeing you.

{We don't mean to be rude, Majesty, but we have grievances and we
want answers.

{First, we are having terrible problems with bandits. They have been
brazen enough to attack our villages; two have been razed to the
ground in the last three years. We need some of your fine soldiers
moved into the Alencon forest to have the scoundrels hunted down
and hanged.

{Second, there is a horrible problem with corruption. Judges are
being paid by the nobles to escape punishment, not that any of them
will ever believe a peasant over a noble.

{Third, farmers from Aragon have been selling their produce
at reduced prices. We can't sell many of our goods. We need
to find a way to make Aragon trade fairly.

{Which problem are you going to solve first, Majesty?}
[a] bandits in the forest.
[b] corrupt judges.
[c] unfair Aragon trade practices.
{Third, farmers from Albion have been selling their produce at
reduced prices. We can't sell many of our goods. We need to
find a way to make Albion trade fairly.

{Which problem are you going to solve first, Majesty?}
[a] bandits in the forest.
[b] corrupt judges.
[c] unfair Albion trade practices.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE n11051.
{So you think peace and security are most important? I cannot say
it is a poor choice.}
_NODE 1b.
_NODE n11052.
{Any man with an army can fight bandits, but it takes a brave man
indeed to fight corruption.}
_NODE 1c.
_NODE n11053.
{Bless you, Majesty. Those folk have been trying to push us around
for far too long.}
_NODE 2.
_NODE n11055.
One of your commanders arrives with a group of peasants.

{Majesty, the delegation from the town of Alencon wishes to
know how many units of infantry you intend to remove from their
duties to search the forest.}

The peasant leader speaks. {I do not wish to seem demanding, but
we've had raids in Alencon in the last month, and we are in
desperate straits. The bandits are getting very bold indeed.
If we don't stop them now, I don't know what will happen.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that you cannot afford to send anything more than a
few knights to lead local militia.
[b] send one unit of Infantry.
[c] send two units of Infantry.
{Perhaps that will be enough, Majesty.}
You do not have enough infantry. You send a few
knights to lead a local militia against them.
{I pray that is enough, Majesty.}
You do not have enough infantry. You send a few
knights to lead a local militia against them.
{Thank you, your Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1106
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n11060.
A delegation of peasants comes to you:

{Majesty, there is a lamentable trial that will be occuring soon.
Alain the potter has been accused of murdering the son of his
liegelord, Baron Gerard.

{Gerard's brother Roland will be the magistrate in this case, and has
a reputation for siding with nobles. We believe that Alain is
innocent, and will not get a fair trial. We ask you to
remove Roland from this case and appoint an impartial judge.}

Such a move, will, of course, be offensive to the nobility, whose
support you need in your conquest of Bretagne.

Do you:
[a] allow Roland to try the case.
[b] appoint a new judge.
[c] try the case yourself.
{I see.}
{Thank you, Majesty.}
No one dares object, but one of the peasants issues a
cautionary note.

{This may work in this case, but you cannot judge every
dispute in Bretagne. More is needed for justice to be restored
to this land. The system must be as incorrupt as the
individuals within it.}
_NODE 4.
_NODE n11065.
A delegation of peasants comes to you, bearing alarming news:

{Majesty, the flood of goods from Aragon is increasing. We
cannot compete against their prices. We need to place stiff
tariffs on them now.}

Do you:
[a] place severe restrictions and duties on Aragonian goods.
[b] refuse to start a trade war with Aragon.
[c] send a messenger to the King of Aragon.
{Very good, Majesty.}

Some people are not happy with this situation, however.
{I suppose one cannot argue with one's king.}

At least to his face...
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Majesty, the flood of goods from Albion is increasing. We
cannot compete against their prices. We need to place stiff
tariffs on them now.}

Do you:
[a] place severe restrictions and duties on Albionian goods.
[b] refuse to start a trade war with Albion.
[c] send a messenger to the King of Albion.
{Very good, Majesty.}

Some people are not happy with this situation, however.
{I suppose one cannot argue with one's king.}

At least to his face...
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 4a.
_NODE n11066.
One of your knights comes to you with news, and some advice.

{Majesty, I have heard reports of peasants attacking wagons
from Aragonian merchants. Even with the duties you have
placed on their goods, they are not satisfied.

{At present we have good relations with Aragon, and
this unseemly violence will not do them any good. Can
you put a stop to it?}
{I know that we are hardly friends with Aragon, but
we may wish to improve our relationship, and this
sort of behavior will not foster any friendships.}

Do you:
[a] execute any mob leaders.
[b] have your infantry escort Aragon's merchants.
[c] ignore the problem.
{Very good, Majesty.}

The violence soon stops, but the people are not
happy.
{Actually, local militia might be more useful.}
{As you wish.}
{Majesty, I have heard reports of peasants attacking wagons
from Albion merchants. Even with the duties you have
placed on their goods, they are not satisfied.

{At present we have good relations with Albion, and
this unseemly violence will not do them any good. Can
you put a stop to it?}
{I know that we are hardly friends with Albion, but
we may wish to improve our relationship, and this
sort of behavior will not foster any friendships.}

Do you:
[a] execute any mob leaders.
[b] have your infantry escort Albion's merchants.
[c] ignore the problem.
{Very good, Majesty.}

The violence soon stops, but the people are not
happy.
{Actually, local militia might be more useful.}
{As you wish.}

-------------
Cluster: 1107
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n11070.
Despite your efforts, the attempt to destroy the bandit enclaves
in the Alencon forest has failed. Many good soldiers have been
killed.

The leader of the peasant delegation informs you, {In reprisal for
your efforts against them, the bandits are putting villages to the
torch. If this continues, the province of Alencon will soon become
a wasteland.}

Do you:
[a] abandon hope of destroying the Alencon bandits.
[b] dispatch an Infantry unit to destroy them.
[c] dispatch two Infantry units to destroy them.
{I see. This is most disheartening.}
You do not have enough infantry. You are forced to
abandon the fight.
{I pray that is enough, Majesty.}
You do not have enough infantry. You are forced to
abandon the fight.
{I pray that is enough, Majesty.}
_NODE 5a.
_NODE n11071.
Despite your efforts, you have not destroyed the bandit enclaves
in the Alencon forest. You have prevented them from causing major
damage.

The leader of the peasant delegation informs you, {Majesty, the
the bandits are again threatening to put villages to the torch.
Something needs to be done to prevent this!}

Do you:
[a] abandon hope of destroying the Alencon bandits.
[b] dispatch an Infantry unit to destroy them.
[c] dispatch two Infantry units to destroy them.
{I see. This is most disheartening.}
You do not have enough infantry. You are forced to
abandon the fight.
{I pray that is enough, Majesty.}
You do not have enough infantry. You are forced to
abandon the fight.
{I pray that is enough, Majesty.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE n11075.
You receive word from the Alencon forest.

{Majesty, we have cleared out the outlaws, but their leaders have
escaped to the depths of the forest. Do you wish us to continue to
pursue them, or would you rather have your soldiers back? A full
unit of Infantry is ready to rejoin you.}

Do you:
[a] pursue the leaders.
[b] return your infantry to the army.
{Very good, your Majesty.}
{As you wish, Majesty.}
_NODE 6b.
_NODE n11076.
A messenger comes riding into your stronghold with alarming news.

{Majesty! It's terrible! The bandit leaders of Alencon have waylaid and
captured your nephew Justin, and are demanding 3,000 marks for his
return.}

Do you:
[a] pay the ransom (3 Gold).
[b] send 2 units of Infantry into the forest to save your nephew.
You do not have enough gold to pay the ransom. The
bandits return your nephew's corpse for burial.
The ransom is paid. Surprisingly, the bandits are
true to their word. Your nephew is returned unharmed.
You do not have enough infantry to attack them. The
bandits return your nephew's corpse for burial.
Your soldiers are merciless. Your nephew is rescued, and the
bandit leaders are captured.

-------------
Cluster: 1108
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n11080.
One of your peasants asks for an audience with you.

{Majesty, the judge in Aniber has been accepting bribes. I can
provide witnesses if you wish; I've heard you wish to reduce
corruption among judges and tax collectors, so I thought I would
speak my mind to you.}

The judge of Aniber is the cousin of your close friend and
supporter, the lord-mayor of Aniber.

Do you:
[a] ask the judge to retire from his position.
[b] have someone attempt to bribe the judge to determine his guilt.
[c] ignore the report.
The judge refuses your request. You are forced to remove him.
It causes a scandal that you would rather have avoided.
The judge falls victim to the trap. He is forced to resign. The
judge's friends are unable to defend him; his enemies rejoice in
his downfall and praise your fight against corruption.
The peasants are not happy with your decision.
_NODE 8.
_NODE n11085.
A messenger comes from the King of Aragon.

Do you:
[a] refuse to see him.
[b] allow him to enter your presence.
A messenger comes from the King of Albion.

Do you:
[a] refuse to see him.
[b] allow him to enter your presence.
_NODE 8a.
_NODE n11086.
You hear shouting from outside your throne room, but soon your
uninvited guest is returned home.
_NODE 8b.
_NODE n11087.
The messenger enters:

{Of course we were flooding your markets with cheap goods. How
else do you expect us to survive? You have cut all access to your
port cities, and the other cities that would give us access to the
Empire or Flanders have even higher duties than ours. If you give us
access to your ports and give our trade a chance to survive, we will
raise our prices.}

Do you:
[a] allow them free access to your ports.
[b] give them access to ports if they agree only to ship goods
that are not produced by Poitou.
[c] tell him to trade with Castile instead.
The messenger smiles. Soon, the peasants and local merchants
are complaining about increased competition for their goods in
Flanders and the Empire.
The messenger frowns.

{I suppose some sort of compromise might be worked out. After
all, diplomacy IS the art of compromise.}
The messenger frowns. He knows quite well that Castile is in
a state of turmoil and quite hostile to outside traders.

{This answer is not acceptable,} he says, and turns and leaves.

-------------
Cluster: 1109
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n11090.
{Majesty, we are getting increased bandit activity in Poitou. The
recent destruction of villages in that province have forced many
to turn to a life of outlawry.}
_NODE 10.
_NODE n11095.
One of the bandit leaders is brought before you.

{I suppose I'm supposed to tell you how sorry I am. Well, if it
hadn't been for the King of Aragon flooding the market and putting
me out of business, I wouldn't have become a bandit in the first
place. The only difference between you and me is that I don't have
a tax collector doing my robbery for me.
{You tax the peasants, and
send them to their deaths in useless wars, and they call you a king.
I steal from the peasants and kill them if they give me trouble, and
they call me a bandit. There's little difference: we both make the
peasants poorer, and we both kill them whenever it's convenient.}
{I suppose I'm supposed to tell you how sorry I am. Well, if it
hadn't been for the King of Albion flooding the market and putting
me out of business, I wouldn't have become a bandit in the first
place. The only difference between you and me is that I don't have
a tax collector doing my robbery for me.
{You tax the peasants, and
send them to their deaths in wars, and they call you a king.
I steal from them and kill them if they give me trouble, and I'm a
bandit. We both make them poorer and kill them when it's convenient.}

Do you:
[a] execute the bandit.
[b] pardon the bandit and make him a tax collector.
{At least I'll die an honest man!}
{Majesty! You've found my true calling!}
_NODE 11.
_NODE n11096.
An angry mob gathers outside. One of your advisors hurries over to
you:

{Majesty, we have a problem. There was a murder in a village last
week, and the townsfolk are blaming a local idiot, Morris the Fool,
for the foul deed. Morris was indeed near the murder scene, but was
too confused to answer questions in a manner that anyone could
understand.}

Do you:
[a] release Morris the Fool for lack of evidence.
[b] have the fool executed, knowing it will make the people happy.
{As you command.}

The people begin to mutter about your {injustice}.
{As you command.}

The people rejoice at the death of a fool. It sometimes
surprises you that the masses are just as capable of cruelty
as a king.
_NODE 4b.
_NODE n11097.
One of your knights comes to you with news, and some advice.

{Majesty, I have heard reports of peasants attacking foreign
merchant wagons. Homes of local merchants who trade with
Aragon are being burned down!}

_if (Relations(Aragon) > 5) then
_{At present we have good relations with Aragon, and
_this unseemly violence will not do them any good. Can
_you put a stop to it?}
_else
_{I know that we are hardly friends with Aragon, but
_we may wish to improve our relationship, and this
_sort of behavior will not foster any friendships.}
_endif

Do you:
[a] execute any mob leaders.
[b] have your infantry escort Aragon's merchants and guard
homes.
[c] ignore the problem.
{Very good, Majesty.}

The violence soon stops, but the people are not
happy.
{Actually, local militia might be more useful.}
{As you wish.}
{Majesty, I have heard reports of peasants attacking foreign
merchant wagons. Homes of local merchants who trade with
Albion are being burned down!}

{At present we have good relations with Albion, and
this unseemly violence will not do them any good. Can
you put a stop to it?}
{I know that we are hardly friends with Albion, but
we may wish to improve our relationship, and this
sort of behavior will not foster any friendships.}

Do you:
[a] execute any mob leaders.
[b] have your infantry escort Albion's merchants and guard
homes.
[c] ignore the problem.
{Very good, Majesty.}

The violence soon stops, but the people are not
happy.
{Actually, local militia might be more useful.}
{As you wish.}

-------------
Cluster: 1110
-------------

_NODE 4c.
_NODE n11100.
Your messenger returns, with news on the trade dispute.

{Majesty, the King of Aragon regrets the recent
dispute between two nations that are normally
friends. He claims that the recent revolt in
Castile, the Moorish uprisings, and the hostility
of Genoa and Venice to their goods have forced them to
try to expand their trade routes northward. If you
can be patient, he hopes that more markets will open
to him, and the tension will diminish.}
{Majesty, the King of Aragon says that, as usual, you
"show a lack of patience. Recent unrest in the south has "
forced him to expand his markets northward, and he will
gladly reduce his goods once things settle down. He
also says the workers in Poitou would rather complain
than work, and if they were more productive, the
problem would be greatly diminished.}

Do you:
[a] agree to wait for the trade pressures to ease.
[b] place duties on Aragon's goods.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{This does not bode well.}
{Majesty, the King of Albion regrets the recent
dispute between two nations that are normally
friends. He claims that the recent uprisings in the
Celtish lands, and sinkings by the Danish fleet,
have forced them to expand their trade routes
southward. If you can be patient, he hopes that more
markets will open to him, and the tension will
diminish.}
{Majesty, the King of Albion says that, as usual, you
"show a lack of patience. Recent unrest in the west has "
forced him to expand his markets southward, and he will
gladly reduce his goods once things settle down. He
also says the workers in Poitou would rather complain
than work, and if they were more productive, the
problem would be greatly diminished.}

Do you:
[a] agree to wait for the trade pressures to ease.
[b] place duties on Albion's goods.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{This does not bode well.}
_NODE 4d.
_NODE n11101.
An execution is interrupted by a messenger bearing news.

{Majesty, Aragon has placed severe duties on goods from
Poitou. We will not be able to compete in their markets.}

Do you:
[a] increase duties on Aragon's goods.
[b] agree to lift your duties if they lift their duties.
[c] wait and see how the situation develops.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{Majesty, Albion has placed severe duties on goods from
Poitou. We will not be able to compete in their markets.}

Do you:
[a] increase duties on Albion's goods.
[b] agree to lift your duties if they lift their duties.
[c] wait and see how the situation develops.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1111
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n11110.
One of your knights brings news:

{Majesty, we have received word of a miracle. There is a pool in
Annonay, into which one of the stars of heaven fell. It is
considered an omen of great portent by the astrologers, my
liege.}

Do you:
[a] confiscate the land on which the pool is situated.
[b] consult the astrologers to determine the nature of the omen.
[c] chastise the knight for bringing you such an idle rumor.
{It shall be done, my liege.}
{They shall be sent for.}
{I am thoroughly penitent, Majesty.}
_NODE 2.
_NODE n11111.
One of your knights brings strange news:

{Majesty, a knight in grey armor has attacked your guards in
Annonay. He claims to be a knight of the Holy Pool, come to avenge
its confiscation, and that the pool has granted him powers of
invulnerability.

{Shall we send some men to show him how invulnerable he truly is,
Majesty?}

Do you:
[a] send some knights to thrash the Grey Knight.
[b] ignore the blackguard.
{I shall see that some fine knights are sent, my liege.}
{Perhaps we will have time to thrash him later.}
_NODE 3.
_NODE n11112.
Panic reigns in the streets of Annonay as the astrologers come to
discuss grave portents.

{Majesty, stars falling from heaven into the Earth can only mean that
someone close to you will attempt to kill you. It speaks of
unseen treachery and evil. It speaks of blood in the streets, and
daggers pointed at one's back.}

Do you:
[a] ignore the message.
[b] ask them to divine who will try to kill you.
{Perhaps the next liege-lord will take my advice more
seriously!}
{I shall divine the answer from the entrails and report back to you.}
_NODE 4.
_NODE n11115.
Some knights return from battling bandits in Annonay.

{Majesty, there are strange things happening in Annonay. An entire
village has vanished; every man, woman, and child has simply
disappeared. Rumors of the cursed pool of evil have spread throughout
the province, and people are greatly afraid.}

Do you:
[a] journey to the pool to demonstrate that everything is fine.
[b] send knights to locate the missing villagers.
{You are indeed brave, my liege!}
{Must we, my liege? It's not like it's important. They
were only peasants.}

-------------
Cluster: 1112
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n11120.
Your knights return from battling the Grey Knight in Annonay.

{Majesty, we encountered the Grey Knight. He slew two of our
company and wounded a third, but was himself wounded and withdrew.
We attempted to follow him, but found only his horse; he dismounted
in a forest and we were unable to find him.

{From the skill he displayed, this man is no peasant, but a knight
of exceptional ability.}

Do you:
[a] send more knights to hunt him down.
[b] set a price of 1,000 marks (1 Gold) on his head.
{As you command.}
{I hope it will get results, my liege.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE n11125.
More news comes from Annonay.

_NODE 6a.
_NODE n11126.
{Majesty, the Grey Knight has burned a wagon carting some of your
timber. He vows that all tyrants shall be destroyed by the Grey
Knight, and he is visiting this upon you to answer your injustice.}

Do you:
[a] place a bounty of 1,000 marks (1 Gold) on his head.
[b] ignore the blackguard.
[c] try to arrange a meeting with him to see if he can be satisfied.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{If you think it's best, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}
_NODE 6b.
_NODE n11127.
{Majesty, the Grey Knight has robbed tax collectors and our treasury
of a sum of 1,000 marks. He vows he will not rest until all tyranny
in Annonay is ended.}

Do you:
[a] place a bounty of 1,000 marks (1 Gold) on his head.
[b] ignore the blackguard.
[c] try to arrange a meeting with him to see if he can be satisfied.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{If you think it's best, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}
_NODE 6c.
_NODE n11128.
{Majesty, the Grey Knight has burned a wagon carrying some of our
grain. He claims that we are tyrants who shall be driven from
Annonay.}

Do you:
[a] place a bounty of 1,000 marks (1 Gold) on his head.
[b] ignore the blackguard.
[c] try to arrange a meeting with him to see if he can be satisfied.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{If you think it's best, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}
_NODE 6d.
_NODE n11129.
{Majesty, the Grey Knight has slain one of your best diplomats. He says
that any man who follows you is a tyrant who deserves death.}

Do you:
[a] place a bounty of 1,000 marks (1 Gold) on his head.
[b] ignore the blackguard.
[c] try to arrange a meeting with him to see if he can be satisfied.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{If you think it's best, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}

-------------
Cluster: 1113
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n11130.
You cannot believe the information that the astrologer has brought
you...

{Majesty, we have determined who is going to betray you. The entrails
clearly point towards Sir Jerome of St. Marie.}

Jerome has been one of your closest friends since childhood.

Do you:
[a] have Jerome murdered.
[b] have your spies spy on him.
[c] ignore the report.
{Very wise, Majesty.}
{I would have him killed, if I were you.}
{You'll be sorry!}
_NODE 8.
_NODE n11135.
You make a brave journey to the magic pool of Annonay (bringing an
army with you for protection). Miraculously, the village that was
deserted is no longer deserted...

{When the stars started falling from the heavens, one of the villagers
said it was the end of the world and we all fled to the caves to
take refuge until the end of the world was over. Then we realized
that staying in a cave and waiting for the end of the world was
a stupid idea, and we were hungry, so we returned to the village.}

Do you:
[a] issue a proclamation forbidding people from living in caves.
[b] have the magic pool drained.
[c] ignore the pool.
{Very wise, Majesty.}
{A good idea!}
{I hope this doesn't mean the world will end soon!}

-------------
Cluster: 1114
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n11140.
A man returns from the magic pool. Miraculously, the village that was
deserted is no longer deserted...

{When the stars started falling from the heavens, one of the villagers
said it was the end of the world and we all fled to the caves to
take refuge until the end of the world was over. Then we realized
that staying in a cave and waiting for the end of the world was
a stupid idea, and we were hungry, so we returned to the village.}

Do you:
[a] issue a proclamation forbidding people from living in caves.
[b] have the magic pool drained.
[c] ignore the pool.
{Very wise, Majesty.}
{A good idea!}
{I hope this doesn't mean the world will end soon!}
_NODE 10.
_NODE n11145.
{Majesty, once again we have fought the Grey Knight. Once again,
he has escaped. However, he said that if you had the bravery to come
to Annonay, he would face you in single combat, to the death.

{He's one of the fiercest and ablest knights I've ever seen. Don't
go, Majesty!}

Do you:
[a] travel to Annonay and face the Grey Knight.
[b] send a champion in your place.
[c] send a messenger to determine why he hates you.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{Sir Robert would be an excellent choice, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1115
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE n11150.
A bounty hunter has arrived.

{Majesty... you are a King, are you not... The Grey Knight has slain
three of my fellow bounty hunters, and people have suddenly
lost interest in trying to track him down. Perhaps if you raised the
bounty...}

Do you:
[a] raise the bounty to 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] dismiss the bounty hunter.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{I don't think you'll have much success.}
_NODE n11155.
_NODE 12.
The foppish Sir Percy of Annonay returns from a meeting with the
mysterious Grey Knight.

{It was a chance meeting. I must admit the man had a certain style.
He claims that you have been unjustly confiscating land in Annonay.
Something about a pool or two. Whatever it was, he was talking about
something wet. He doesn't expect you to do anything about it, except
the usual kingly methods, knights, swords, bloodshed, that sort of
thing. Nothing the common people would like, of course.}

Do you:
[a] offer to give back the lands you confiscated.
[b] scour Annonay with your knights until he is found.
{Hmm. If he's a man of his word, he might approve. When is
lunch being served? I'm positively starving.}
{That doesn't seem to be what he has in mind, but a king will
do what a king will do. Incidently, can you introduce me to
that serving wench I saw in the kitchen? She was most comely.}

-------------
Cluster: 1116
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE n11160.
The astrologer comes to you following the murder of Sir Jerome.

{Majesty, we have the letter from your secretary to the cutthroat that
ordered the murder of your friend Sir Jerome. Unless you pay us 3,000
marks, we will send the letter to the Pope, who will never recognize
your claim to the throne!}

Do you:
[a] have the astrologer murdered.
[b] pay the ransom (3 Gold).
[c] ignore the blackmail.
{Liar! You do not have the gold! The Pope will
soon have some interesting information...}
{We shall come to you soon with the letter.}
{Dire consequences will result!}
_NODE 14.
_NODE n11165.
A spy reports on Sir Jerome.

{Majesty, we have seen Sir Jerome meeting with strange people. He
actually says kind words to his page, and to his gardener, and to
other common folk. When he goes to Mass, he actually smiles when he
talks with the parson. 'Tis most odd, my liege. I would not trust
him!}

Do you:
[a] have Sir Jerome murdered.
[b] ignore the report.
[c] have the astrologer flogged.
{Yes, Majesty.}
{Never trust a man who smiles.}
{Dire consequences will result!}

-------------
Cluster: 1117
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE n11170.
An astrologer reports on a disturbing event.

{A tailed star has appeared in the morning sky, its sinister plume
shooting opposite from the sun, a clear signet of evil. You must
do something now, Majesty. Kill Sir Jerome before he betrays you!

Do you:
[a] have Sir Jerome murdered.
[b] ignore the report.
[c] have the astrologer flogged.
{Yes, Majesty.}
{I fear dire consequences from this decision.}
{B-but Majesty!}
_NODE 16.
_NODE n11175.
An advisor brings good news on the magic pool.

{Majesty, when the pool was drained, we found a great deal of
gold. We might be able to get more gold from the pool, but we would need
men to guard it. A unit of Infantry, Archers, or Knights would do.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry.
[b] send a unit of Archers.
[c] send a unit of Knights.
[d] forget about the pool.
_NODE n11176.
{You do not have any Infantry to spare.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Archers instead.
[b] send a unit of Knights instead.
[c] forget about the pool.
{We should be able to get the gold before anyone
notices.}
_NODE n11177.
{You do not have any Archers to spare.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry instead.
[b] send a unit of Knights instead.
[c] forget about the pool.
{We should be able to get the gold before anyone
notices.}
_NODE n11178.
{You do not have any Knights to spare.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry instead.
[b] send a unit of Archers instead.
[c] forget about the pool.
{We should be able to get the gold before anyone
notices.}
_NODE n11179.
{Very good, Majesty. If you don't mind, I was planning on taking
a small vacation. Annonay sounds like a rich experience.}

-------------
Cluster: 1118
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE n11180.
An advisor brings disturbing news.

{Majesty, the pool of evil has brought another sign of doom. A
tailed star has appeared in the morning sky.}

Do you:
[a] have the pool drained.
[b] have the local bishop cast out demons from the pool.
[c] ignore the sign of doom.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{I understand that the archbishop of Annonay is rather good
at that sort of thing.}
{I remember the last king who ignored a sign of doom. You
remember what happened to King Francis the Old, don't you?
He was ninety, but he never lived to be ninety-one after he
ignored that warning!}
_NODE 18.
_NODE n11185.
You depart to face the dreaded Grey Knight of Annonay -- alone.

After several days' ride, you are waylaid by a knight in armor
bearing a grey shield.

{Surrender to me,} he says, {and your death will be quick and
merciful. Otherwise, I shall deliver to you the same suffering that
you have brought to Annonay.}

Do you:
[a] surrender.
[b] challenge him to battle.
[c] ask him why he is so upset.
The Grey Knight places his sword through you, and leaves
you for dead. You are not dead, though, and are rescued by
knights sent by your friend, Sir Percy of Annonay. You
recover, but your scars will not go away.
You do your best, and wound him several times, but in the
end he defeats you, leaving you for dead. You are not dead,
however, and knights sent by Sir Percy of Annonay rescue
you. You will carry the scars from this combat for the rest
of your days.
The Grey Knight says, {Recently, you confiscated the land
which contained a pool into which a star fell. That land was
owned by a dear old widow, who was forced to leave her home
and live on the street like an animal. She died soon afterwards
of a fever that burned in her lungs. Her death is on your
hands!}

Do you:
[a] offer to make just compensation to her heirs.
[b] tell him that you thought the falling star would curse
anyone who lived on the land.
[c] challenge him to combat.
_NODE n11186.
{How generous you are with the dead!}

The Grey Knight draws his sword and attacks you.
Although you defend yourself ably, his swordsmanship is perhaps the
best you have ever seen. He leaves you for dead. You are rescued
by men who were sent by your friend Sir Percy, but you will bear
the scars for the remainder of your days.
_NODE n11187.
{It is said that falling stars reflect the deeds of fallen men!}

The Grey Knight draws his sword and attacks you.
Although you defend yourself ably, his swordsmanship is among the
best you have ever seen. He leaves you for dead. You are rescued
by men who were sent by your friend Sir Percy, but you will bear
the scars for the remainder of your days.
_NODE n11188.
{You offer me the most precious of pleasures, the taking of your
life!}
You do your best, and bloody him several times. It is not enough; in
the end, he defeats you and leaves you to die from your wounds.
You are fortunate that knights sent by Sir Percy of Annonay find you
and rescue you, but you will carry the scars from this combat for the
rest of your days.

-------------
Cluster: 1119
-------------

_NODE 19.
_NODE n11190.
Sir Robert returns from Annonay.

{Majesty, I encountered the Grey Knight, but at a distance. He said
that his quarrel was with you alone, but if you were too cowardly to
come in person, he would be willing to kill me in your stead.}

Do you:
[a] travel to Annonay and face the Grey Knight.
[b] send Sir Robert in your stead.
[c] send a messenger to determine why he hates you.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{The swine will not survive, Majesty!}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}
_NODE 20.
_NODE n11195.
A messenger brings bad news.

{Majesty, no bounty hunter will touch the Grey Knight. Too many
have died trying to kill him. Something else must be done.}

Do you:
[a] travel to Annonay and face the Grey Knight yourself.
[b] send a messenger to determine why he hates you.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}

-------------
Cluster: 1120
-------------

_NODE 21.
_NODE n11200.
Sir Percy comes from Annonay.

{Your Majesty, that fellow, the Grey Knight, has issued a public
challenge. He says that he will reveal his identity if you deliver 8,000
marks of gold to the people of Annonay within ninety days,
and that, if you fail to deliver it, he will take your life.}
{This violence is most distressing, Majesty. If I weren't so terribly
busy helping damsels appreciate the value of fine poetry, I might
do something about it. Incidently, have you heard my latest verse?
It's quite good.}

Do you:
[a] agree to try to deliver 8,000 marks (8 Gold).
[b] dare him to take your life.
{It will be interesting, Majesty.}
{If I can be excused for wondering, why would you do
that?}
_NODE 22.
_NODE n11205.
Sir Percy comes from Annonay.

{I'm afraid that your knights aren't doing very well against this
fellow with the grey shield, the Grey Knight. I suppose it makes
life interesting to have a worthy opponent around, but it is getting
tedious. By the way, the grey fellow is challenging you to single
combat; I assume that acceptance is out of the question. When do
people eat around here?}

Do you:
[a] accept the challenge.
[b] send a champion in his place.
{You are a stubborn one, aren't you?}
{Very good. We wouldn't want to get hurt when someone else
can get hurt in our place. Now when is dinner?}

-------------
Cluster: 1121
-------------

_NODE 23.
_NODE n11210.
Bad news comes to you, and you can barely restrain yourself from
killing the messenger.

The guard who murdered the astrologer at your behest was seen doing
the foul deed, and is going to trial. If he implicates you....

Do you:
[a] order your guards to help him escape and flee the country.
[b] pardon him.
[c] have him poisoned.
{It is done.}
{It is done.}
_NODE 24.
_NODE n11215.
The astrologer returns:

{Majesty, we have the letter from your secretary to the cutthroat that
ordered the murder of your friend Sir Jerome. Unless you pay us 3,000
marks, we will send the letter to the Pope, who will never recognize
your claim to the throne!}

Do you:
[a] have the astrologer murdered.
[b] pay the ransom (3 Gold).
[c] ignore the blackmail.
{Liar! You do not have the gold! You had best have
it the next time we appear!}
{We shall come to you soon with the letter.}
{Dire consequences will result!}
_NODE 24.
_NODE n11216.
The astrologer returns again:

{Majesty, we are in need of funds. While blackmail is a horrendous
way to make a living, it's a lot better than poverty. 3,000 marks,
please.}

Do you:
[a] have the astrologer murdered.
[b] pay the ransom (3 Gold).
[c] ignore the blackmail.
{Liar! You do not have the gold! You had best have
it the next time we appear!}
{We shall come to you soon with the letter.}
{Dire consequences will result!}

-------------
Cluster: 1122
-------------

_NODE 25.
_NODE n11220.
You receive a visit from the bishop.

{Your lordship, we have received a copy of a letter in your secretary's
handwriting, ordering the murder of Sir Jerome. This is outrageous! The
Pope is being informed even as we speak! The situation is intolerable!

{That these astrologers are now forging letters and trying to implicate
good Christians in crimes is intolerable! Something must be done about
this evil practice. We wish to try them in ecclesiastical court for
crimes against God!}

Do you:
[a] allow astrologers to be tried by the Church.
[b] try astrologers for forgery in a civil court.
[c] tell the bishop that their sins will be punished in due course.
{Thank you, Majesty.}
{An ecclesiastical court would be better, your lordship.}
{Of course they will. I worry only about the corruption of
the living.}
_NODE 26.
_NODE n11225.
A knight enters.

{Majesty, we have found 5,000 marks of gold in the drained pool, which
is now in your treasury!}

-------------
Cluster: 1123
-------------

_NODE 27.
_NODE n11230.
A messenger comes from Annonay.

{Majesty, thousands of people have descended upon Annonay. Everyone
is searching for gold. While it has been hard to control some
of the thieves, for the most part the people are happy -- and we
have added about three thousand marks to the treasury in increased
taxes.}
_NODE 28.
_NODE n11235.
An advisor brings disturbing news.

{Majesty, the bishop failed to cast out demons from the pool of
evil. It has devoured a young man, who entered for a swim, and
never was seen again!}

Do you:
[a] have the pool drained.
[b] ignore this superstitious nonsense.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Perhaps there is more important business to take care of.}

-------------
Cluster: 1124
-------------

_NODE 29.
_NODE n11240.
You are awqkened from slumber by one of your advisors.

{Majesty, word of your battle against the Grey Knight has spread
to the townships. People like a rebel, Majesty, and the Grey Knight
has been taken to their hearts. Minstrels have written songs about
your battle, and they don't flatter you, my lord.}

Do you:
[a] issue another challenge.
[b] issue another challenge, and have the Grey Knight ambushed.
[c] send your champion, Sir Robert, to meet the Grey Knight in single
combat.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{A cunning strategem, my lord.}
{A cunning strategem, my lord.}
_NODE 30.
_NODE n11245.
Grave news from Annonay...

{Majesty, Sir Robert was gravely wounded in a battle against the
Grey Knight, but was victorious. The Grey Knight is dead. When his
helm was removed, he turned out to be your old friend, Sir Percy.}

-------------
Cluster: 1125
-------------

_NODE 31.
_NODE n11250.
An advisor comes to remind you of important matters.

{Majesty, ninety days have expired. Will you deliver the 8,000
marks (8 units) of gold to the people of Annonay as you promised?}

Do you:
[a] attempt to deliver the gold.
[b] renege on your promise.
_NODE 31a.
_NODE n11251.
Alas, you do not have the money to deliver to Annonay. A
few nights later, someone enters your treasury and steals
half your entire supply of gold!

A note is left behind, which reads:
{Your recompense is welcome. Should you lapse again into
the ways of tyranny, the Grey Knight shall return.}
When the money is delivered to Annonay, the Grey Knight
appears. {Keep your gold!} he says. {It is better that the
people know you have a generous heart.}

The Grey Knight then unmasks, revealing himself to be your
old friend Sir Percy!

{I place myself at your mercy. Do with me as you will.}

Do you:
[a] conscript Sir Percy into your council.
[b] hang him for high treason.
Sir Percy's skills prove to be invaluable.
Sir Percy's death angers the people of Annonay, and
elsewhere.
_NODE 31b.
_NODE n11252.
A few nights later, someone enters your treasury and steals
half your supply of gold!

A note is left behind, which reads:
{Your recompense is welcome. Should you lapse again into
the ways of tyranny, the Grey Knight shall return.}
_NODE 32.
_NODE n11255.
All is not well. All of your guards are asleep. Someone has drugged
them.

The Grey Knight appears. {Were you looking for assistance, your
lordship? Allow me to assist you to Hell, tyrant!}

Do you:
[a] attempt to bribe him.
[b] accept his challenge and die like a man.
_NODE 32a.
_NODE n11256.
The Grey Knight laughs.

{I suppose I should be insulted, but desperate men are honest.
If, when you become King, you agree to make me Duke of Annonay,
I will spare your life.}

Do you:
[a] accept his proposition.
[b] refuse, and meet him in single combat.
{A document will be sent to your seneschal, suitable for
signing. Given that I have succeeded in eliminating all of
your defenses, I would not consider betrayal, unless you
look forward to a painful death.}
_NODE 32b
_NODE n11257.
{Have at thee. And may God, maker of iron, bless the sword of the
righteous!}

You are no match for him. But he is bent on humiliating you, and
drops his guard for a moment. You take advantage of that lapse and
slay him, the Grey Knight -- your friend Sir Percy!

-------------
Cluster: 1126
-------------

_NODE 33.
_NODE n11260.
An aura of evil suddenly surrounds your castle... no, it's just the
astrologer.

{A small mountain has grown in a farmer's field, belching smoke and
fire from the depths of Hell! It's an omen of evil, I tell you....}

Do you:
[a] strangle the astrologer.
[b] send him to an expert executioner.
_NODE 33.
_NODE n11265.
You journey to Annonay, alone, to meet the Grey Knight in combat.

{Thou art persistent, if not wise. I will gladly kill you, but
I do not understand why you are so eager to face me when you know
in your heart that I am better with the blade than thou.}

Your reply:
[a] {time for epitaphs later, have at thee!}
[b] {I have tried to reason with thee, and failed. I cannot stand a
man who will not listen!}
[c] {I wish to hear the songs they'll sing of thee when thou art dead.}
{And so shall tyrants die!}
{Then you shall speak with the maggots, forevermore!}
{I did not know there was music in Hell!}
_NODE n11266.
You are no match for him. But he is bent on humiliating you, and
drops his guard for a moment. You take advantage of that lapse and
slay him, the Grey Knight -- your friend Sir Percy!

-------------
Cluster: 1127
-------------

_NODE n11270.
You receive word from Annonay.

{Majesty, the Grey Knight is dead. When his helm was removed, he
turned out to be...your friend Sir Percy!}

-------------
Cluster: 1128
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n11280.
One of your knights brings news:

{Majesty, our barracks in Laval have been destroyed. I do not
know how; those who saw it, described the building as shattered
into pieces with the sound of thunder.

{Majesty, an entire unit of infantry has been destroyed.
Many men are dead.}
{Fortunately, no one was in the barracks, but many people
might have been killed.}

Do you:
[a] offer 2,000 marks (2 Gold) for anyone who brings you information
on this disaster.
[b] send your administrators to investigate.
[c] call on the Church to determine if the accident was supernatural.
{It shall be done, my liege.}
{They shall be sent for.}
{I am thoroughly penitent, Majesty.}
_NODE 2.
_NODE n11285.
At long last, you receive word on the exploding barracks in Laval.
A peasant comes to report:

{Majesty, my son reported hearing men in a tavern boasting about
the foul deed. It was the Poisson Rouge tavern on the Laval road. He
was rather vague on the details, except that the killer used some
sort of magick powder that they had gotten from sorcerers in the
far east; when exposed to fire, this devil magick causes great
destruction.}

Do you:
[a] give him 2,000 (2 Gold) marks.
[b] give him 2,000 (2 Gold) marks when the villains are captured.
[c] refuse to reward him for a boy's tale.
You cannot afford this. The peasant seems puzzled.

{How can you not afford to pay this with all the tax
we're paying?}
{You are very generous, m'lord.}
{That is fair, m'lord.}
{I was afraid you'd say something like that.}

-------------
Cluster: 1129
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n11290.
The administrators return from the devastated barracks in Laval.

{Majesty, we have never seen anything like this. Total devastation.
Total destruction. Godless and immoral carnage. If only we had a
weapon like this...

{I know not what caused this. But think of it, a force exists that
can kill our enemies, destroy their fortresses, more surely than
anything else that exists. That would be a weapon to be cherished. A
lowly clerk who controlled such a weapon could make himself a king!}

Do you:
[a] chastise them for not uncovering more information.
[b] order them to return to Laval and find out who's responsible.
[c] tell them their services are no longer required.
{But Majesty, this weapon is clearly more important than
a destroyed building or lost lives!}
{We shall leave at once, your lordship.}
{But this is so fascinating...}
_NODE 4.
_NODE n11295.
_should not occur if player is excommunicated. In that case, trigger
_the following.
_{The church refuses to speak with you until you are no longer
_excommunicated.}
_trigger n11305(0).
You receive a visit from Hubert Belanger, a monk from St. Jude's
monastery.

{Majesty, I believe what we are seeing is the use of a substance
from the east known as gunpowder. Roger Bacon, an English monk,
included references to this in his writings; although I have obviously
never read them, as they were banned by the Franciscans for heresy. I
know of a German monk named Berthold Schwarz who is doing fascinating
things with this substance...}

Do you:
[a] order Hubert to produce gunpowder for you.
[b] order Hubert to discover the murderer's identity.
[c] ignore this long-winded fool.
{But Majesty, as the only source for the chemical formula
is in a banned book, I cannot in good conscience give you
the formula.}

Do you:
[a] ask him to look for the formula in books that meet with
the approval of the Franciscans.
[b] order him to discover the murderer's identity.
[c] send a messenger to the Pope asking that the ban on Bacon
be rescinded.
{That may take years, Majesty, but I shall try.}
{I shall try to uncover it, your lordship.}
{Even as you send your messenger, you know that the
Pope will not set himself against the wishes of the
Franciscans.}
{I shall try to uncover it, your lordship.}
{I never stay where I am not welcome.}

-------------
Cluster: 1130
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n11300.
Bad news is whispered into your ear...

{Majesty, the man who reported the people in the tavern talking
about the disaster in Laval has been found dead. He was murdered.
His son, who reported the alleged conversation, is missing.}

Do you:
[a] send a spy to the tavern in Laval.
[b] try to find the whereabouts of the son.
[c] ignore this foul deed.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{I shall try to find him, my liege.}
{As you wish.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE n11305.
There is panic in Laval.

{Majesty, there have been several explosions in important buildings
in Laval villages. The Lord High Sheriff is dead, and dozens of
cutthroats and robbers have escaped from gaol. There is a great
deal of panic. They say the world is ending.}

Do you:
[a] summon local administrators for a meeting.
[b] send investigators to the scene of the crime.
[c] send a proclamation claiming the murderer has been found.
Do you:
[a] summon local administrators for a meeting.
[b] send investigators to the scene of the crime.
[c] send a proclamation claiming the murderer has been found.
[d] summon Hubert Belanger to investigate.
_NODE 6a.
_NODE n11306.
{They shall be sent for at once.}
_NODE 6b.
_NODE n11307.
{They shall be dispatched... I mean sent... at once.}
_NODE 6c.
_NODE n11308.
{The proclamation shall be dispatched... I mean sent... at once.}
_NODE 6d.
_NODE n11309.
{He shall be summoned, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1131
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n11310.
Another disaster has occured.

{Majesty, the fires of Hell have consumed the inn where your
adminstrators were staying. Their investigation of the Laval
disasters have come to an abrupt end.}

Do you:
[a] ask for information on their deaths.
[b] ignore the incident.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Ignore it, my liege? Ignore?!}
_NODE 8.
_NODE n11315.
Hubert Belanger returns.

{Majesty, I have found the ingredients for gunpowder, although
I do not know the proper mix, nor under what constellation, nor at
what hour they must be blended for the proper potency.

{The ingredients are brimstone, saltpeter, and woodsoot.}

Do you:
[a] order him to discover the proper mix.
[b] order him to find a way to neutralize this powder.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Majesty, as far as I can tell, this powder explodes because
of demonic forces. Perhaps these demons might be cast out by
a bishop, or the saints might intervene to protect a Prince of
pure Christian spirit, but aside from that, I know of no way
your request can be answered.}

-------------
Cluster: 1132
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n11320.
Hubert Belanger returns from his investigation, bringing with him
a young boy.

{Majesty, I believe you should listen to what young Phillip has to
say.}

{Hello Sire. Uh... um...}

{Perhaps I should speak for him. He overheard some men talking about
the destruction of the barracks, brigands who were clearly responsible
for the foul deed. When his father tried to inform you, he was
murdered.}

Do you:
[a] order Hubert to uncover the murderer.
[b] send a spy to the tavern where the boy overheard the men.
[c] send a spy to watch the boy.
{I shall do my best, Majesty.}
Your spy is sent.
Your spy is sent.
_NODE 10.
_NODE n11325.
Your spy passes on information...

{Majesty, I have heard many rumors. If I am correct, there is a group
of men, either very wealthy or very powerful, who wish to drive you from
Laval.}

{They have been secretly purchasing devil's powder from
the Saracens, and are using it to destroy your troops and
kill your allies.

{I fear that I have made myself too prominent, and may be in danger.
Perhaps it would be best if you replaced me with another person.}

Do you:
[a] replace him.
[b] ask him to continue spying.
Your spy is sent.
{I shall do my best, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1133
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE n11330.
A search of Laval has found the missing boy.

{Majesty, the boy has told a wild tale about being held prisoner
in a mysterious castle in the middle of the forest. I doubt its
veracity, but do you wish us to investigate his claim?}

You answer:
[a] Yes.
[b] No.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}
_NODE 12.
_NODE n11335.
A bell summons the administrators from Laval to a royal audience.

{Majesty, gracious Majesty. It is not our fault. These blackguards
want to overthrow us all!}

WHAT BLACKGUARDS!

Seeing a look of barely contained rage in your royal eye, the Lord
Mayor and the others reveal that they have been receiving letters
from {The Brotherhood of Vulcan}, claiming responsibility for the
destruction, and vowing not to rest until Laval is free of foreign
influence (i.e. anyone who is not from Laval). The administrators
didn't want to bother you about this, believing they could handle
the matter personally.

Do you:
[a] send a spy to Laval to infiltrate this Brotherhood.
[b] send scouts to Laval to look for a hidden stronghold.
[c] order the administrators to end this menace in sixty days, or
face execution.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}
{We will not fail, my liege!}

-------------
Cluster: 1134
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE n11340.
A messenger comes from a nearby province.

{Majesty, Holy Rose Abbey has been destroyed. Its destruction was
identical to the ones we have seen recently. A group calling itself
'the Brotherhood of Vulcan' has claimed credit for the deed. We
have no idea who these people are.}

Do you:
[a] send a spy to infiltrate the Brotherhood.
[b] summon local administrators to explain what is happening.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}
_NODE 14.
_NODE n11345.
A messenger comes from Laval.

{Majesty, we have information on the recent disasters. A group calling
itself 'the Brotherhood of Vulcan' has claimed credit for the deeds. We
have no idea who these people are.}

Your answer:
[a] send a spy to infiltrate the Brotherhood.
[b] summon local administrators to explain what is happening.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1135
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE n11350.
There is panic in Laval.

{Majesty, there have been several explosions in important buildings
in Laval villages. The Lord High Sheriff is dead, and dozens of
cutthroats and robbers have escaped from gaol. There is a great
deal of panic. They say the world is ending.}

Do you:
[a] offer a large reward for information.
[b] send your army through Laval to quiet the place down.
[c] ignore the report.
{The people are too frightened to offer any information,
my liege.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
It does have a calming effect on the people. Armies have that
sort of effect on people.
{As you wish.}
_NODE 16.
_NODE n11355.
Hubert Belanger returns from Laval.

{Majesty, we have information on the recent disasters. A group calling
itself 'the Brotherhood of Vulcan' has claimed credit for the deeds. I
have no idea who these people are. Furthermore, the local council,
fearing your wrath, has willfully withheld this information from
you.}

Your answer:
[a] send a spy to infiltrate the Brotherhood.
[b] order the arrest of the local administrators.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1136
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE n11360.
A message comes from your spy in Laval.

{Majesty, as we expected, a man tried to kill the boy. Unfortunately,
he escaped capture. He fled into a forest near Laval, then we lost
the trail.}

Do you:
[a] continue guarding the boy.
[b] send a unit of Infantry to scour the forest.
{As you command. Next time, he shall not escape,
my liege.}
{We do not have the men. I suppose we'll have to
keep watching the boy.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 18.
_NODE n11365.
A message comes from your spy in Laval.

{Majesty, I don't know what that other person was talking about.
Clearly there is nothing wrong in Laval. I've talked with everyone,
and there's nothing suspicious. Only a couple of destroyed buildings,
that's all, nothing to worry about.}

Do you:
[a] ask the old spy to resume his job.
[b] have this spy flogged.
{But why?}
{But why?}

-------------
Cluster: 1137
-------------

_NODE 19.
_NODE n11370.
A message comes from your spy in Laval.

{Majesty, before he died, your spy said that there was a hidden
fortress in the forest near Laval. He gave us a rough location
of where it might be.}

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their operations.}
_NODE 20.
_NODE n11375.
A message comes from Laval.

{Majesty, the boy has found the fortress of our enemies in the
forest near Laval. He gave us a rough location of where it might
be, and we found it.}

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength.
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their operations.}

-------------
Cluster: 1138
-------------

_NODE 21.
_NODE n11380.
A message comes from Laval.

{Majesty, the wells for several villages in the province were
destroyed three nights ago by explosions identical to the ones we
have seen all too often there. There is a great deal of unrest, and
people are blaming you for not having done anything about this.}

Do you:
[a] spend 2,000 marks to cart water and wine to Laval while they
dig new wells.
[b] march your army through Laval to calm them down.
[c] sit back and sulk about nobody liking you.
You do not have the funds. You'll have to march
through Laval instead.
{You're too kind, Majesty.}
{I'm sure they'll be impressed.}
{Oh, stop sulking and do something about this!}
_NODE 22.
_NODE n11385.
The people smell the administrators' fear as they skulk toward
their audience with you.

{We tried to find the Brotherhood of Vulcan. Honest we did! Please
don't kill us! Please! We have families to feed, and children who
need their parents alive.}

Do you:
[a] execute them.
[b] agree not to kill them, and merely imprison them for the rest of
their ill-begotten lives.
[c] give them one more chance...
{No!!!}
{Thank you... I think...}
{May we kiss your feet, my liege?}

-------------
Cluster: 1139
-------------

_NODE 23.
_NODE n11390.
A bell summons the administrators from Laval to a royal audience.

{Majesty, gracious Majesty. It is not our fault. These blackguards
want to overthrow us all!}

After a good deal of harsh questioning and many threats, the Lord
Mayor and the others reveal that they have been receiving letters
from {The Brotherhood of Vulcan,} claiming responsibility for the
destruction, and vowing not to rest until Laval is free of foreign
influence (i.e. anyone who is not from Laval). The administrators
didn't want to bother you about this, believing they could handle
the matter personally.

Do you:
[a] send a spy to Laval to infiltrate this Brotherhood.
[b] send scouts to Laval to look for a hidden stronghold.
[c] order the administrators to end this menace in sixty days, or
face execution.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}
{We will not fail, my liege!}
_NODE 24.
_NODE n11395.
Word comes of a disaster.

{Majesty, there has been an accident in the monastery of Hubert
Belanger. The experiments with gunpowder have resulted in a massive
explosion. Hubert has been badly injured, and many of his order were
killed. He vows that he will never conduct another experiment again.}

Do you:
[a] beg Hubert to continue his research.
[b] search for someone else knowledgeable in the ways of gunpowder.
Several days later, you receive word from Hubert. He has
retired to a monastery in Austria, to give penance for the
remainder of his days.
{Of course, my liege.}

A thorough search turns up no one.

-------------
Cluster: 1140
-------------

_NODE 25.
_NODE n11400.
Word is sent from your spy in Laval, who has been guarding the boy
who overheard the Brotherhood of Vulcan.

{Majesty, no one has bothered the boy for quite some time. I believe
he is safe.

{I have heard rumors of a fortress in the woods, and I believe I know
its location. I am certain that this is the headquarters of the
Brotherhood of Vulcan.}

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their operations.}
_NODE 25.
_NODE n11405.
A messenger is sent by your infantry in Laval, who have been
searching for the Brotherhood of Vulcan.

{We have found the fortress in the woods. We are certain that this is
the headquarters of the Brotherhood of Vulcan.}

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their operations.}

-------------
Cluster: 1141
-------------

_NODE 26.
_NODE n11410.
A messenger is sent by your army in Laval, which has attacked
the stronghold of the Brotherhood of Vulcan.

{Majesty, we have destroyed the fortress of the Brotherhood of
Vulcan, however at a heavy price. Rather than face capture, the
Brotherhood exploded their supply of gunpowder. Many men were
slain.}
_NODE 27.
_NODE n11415.
A messenger is sent by your army in Laval.

{Majesty, we have destroyed the fortress of the Brotherhood of
Vulcan. Our scout infiltrated the stronghold and must have ignited
their supply of devil powder. The explosion killed them utterly, but
alas, our scout was also slain.}

-------------
Cluster: 1142
-------------

_NODE 28.
_NODE n11420.
A rather shady individual approaches you:

{Majesty, I am associated with certain disreputable fellows, you may
have heard of them, the Brotherhood of Vulcan. I am prepared, for a
small price, say, 1,000 marks, to reveal their location to you.}

Do you:
[a] agree to pay his price.
[b] have him questioned until he tells you the location.
You do not have the funds. You submit him for
questioning until he tells you the location.

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their
operations.}
He tells you the location.

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their
operations.}
He tells you the location.

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their
operations.}
_NODE 28.
_NODE n11425.
You receive word from Laval.

{Majesty, good news! We discovered a shipment of devil's powder
being secretly delivered to a small fortress in the woods near
Laval. We waylaid this shipment, and then, disguised as merchants,
infiltrated the stronghold and destroyed it. The people who inhabited
the fortress are either dead or slain. The gunpowder threat is at
an end.}

-------------
Cluster: 1143
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n11430.
A messenger comes from the Duke of Compagne.

{From His Grace, Francis Duke of Compagne, to
Edward, King of Albion,
Henri, Duke of Anjou,
Ramiro, King of Aragon,
Charles, Count of Valois,
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy,
welcome:

{We are aware of your struggle to obtain the crown of Bretagne. In
doing so, you have moved your armies onto the soil of Compagne. Perhaps
you believe this means you are in control of this territory. His
Grace wishes you to understand that this is not the case. You merely
occupy this land; you do not rule it. Understand this, and we will
have no problems.}

Do you:
[a] threaten to attack him if he sends another arrogant message.
[b] cut off supplies into his castle.
[c] ignore him.
{We shall see. The Duke shall not be pleased.}
{I do not believe you have thought out this action.}
{Well!}
_NODE 2.
_NODE n11435.
A messenger comes from the Duke of Compagne.

{From His Grace, Francis Duke of Compagne, to
Edward, King of Albion,
Henri, Duke of Anjou,
Ramiro, King of Aragon,
Charles, Count of Valois,
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy,
welcome:

{The recent actions of your armies have been intolerable. Either
restrain their misdeeds, or the army of the Duke will restrain them
for you.}

Do you:
[a] attack him.
[b] cut off supplies into his castle.
[c] ask him to specify the misdeeds.
{I do not believe you have thought out this action.}
{I do not believe you have thought out this action.}
{You shall hear a full accounting.}

-------------
Cluster: 1144
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n11440.
A messenger comes from the besieged castle of the Duke of Compagne.

{Majesty, the Duke easily broke the siege. He has several large
forces hidden in the countryside; combined, they make one
of the most formidable armies in Bretagne. Our siege has no hope
of success.}

Do you:
[a] try to maintain the siege.
[b] abandon the siege.
[c] apologize to the Duke.
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
_NODE 4.
_NODE n11445.
A delegation of peasants comes to you.

{Majesty, the taxes being levied by the Duke of Compagne are beyond
belief. We can no longer afford to feed our children. He says that
as long as foreign invaders remain in Compagne, he must have those
taxes to prepare our defense.}

Do you:
[a] attack the Duke.
[b] imprison the Duke's tax-collectors.
[c] try to negotiate a suitable settlement.
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege. We will try to arrange a meeting.}

-------------
Cluster: 1145
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n11450.
One of your commanders returns with good news -- and a
warning.

{Majesty, we have defeated the Duke of Compagne near the
town of Aienfort, but he has retreated and combined his
forces with fresh troops. We may not be able to win the
next battle.}

Do you:
[a] press the attack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the army of the Duke
of Compagne near Aienfort. I have nothing else to say.}

Do you:
[a] regroup and stage a counterattack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE n11455.
Your messenger departs from your castle to get a full account of
grievances from the Duke of Compagne.

He never returns.

Do you:
[a] attack the Duke.
[b] send a second messenger to determine what happened.
[c] ignore the Duke and his grievances.
{As you command, my liege.}
{We will be cautious. I smell a rat.}
{As you command, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1146
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n11460.
A messenger returns from the siege of the Duke of Compagne's castle.

{Majesty, the siege has been broken. As we feared, the Duke's forces
are too large and too well maintained. Our losses were substantial.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to resume the siege.
[b] ask for a truce.
{As you command, my liege.}
{It shall be done, Majesty.}
_NODE 8.
_NODE n11465.
You receive a messenger from the Duke of Compagne.

{The Duke hopes that your little military exercise has shown you
the meaning of folly. He hopes that you will now be prepared to
treat him with the respect he deserves. Your adventure has caused
the Duke time and trouble, and he demands 2,000 marks in
reparations.}

Do you:
[a] refuse to give him a single mark.
[b] offer 1,000 marks (1 Gold).
[c] give him the 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
{This insult shall not be borne!}
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{I suppose this is not too grievous an insult. The
Duke may be prepared to overlook it.}
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{I suppose this is not too grievous an insult. The
Duke may be prepared to overlook it.}

-------------
Cluster: 1147
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n11470.
You receive a messenger from the Duke of Compagne.

{How dare you interfere in the Duke's handling of his own affairs!
If you do not apologize immediately and release the Duke's servants,
a state of war will exist between us!}

Do you:
[a] release them if the Duke agrees to stop trying to turn the
people against him.
[b] ask for a negotiated settlement of differences.
[c] release them and apologize.
{I shall deliver your terms to the Duke. I would not expect
a favorable settlement.}
{Your request shall be given to the Duke. Your reluctance
to see reason is not encouraging.}
{That is better.}
_NODE 10.
_NODE n11475.
You receive a messenger from the Duke of Compagne.

{I take it that you wish your relations with the Duke of Compagne
to be improved. What do you offer us in return for better relations?}

Do you:
[a] promise autonomy for Compagne.
[b] promise increased lands for the Duke.
[c] offer him increased prestige when you become king.
{I thought we had autonomy already.}
{Interesting. He will reply soon, I'm sure.}
{A kingly promise. I'll see if he's interested.}

-------------
Cluster: 1148
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE n11480.
You receive a delegation of peasants.

{Majesty, something must be done to protect us from the Duke of
Compagne. He is hanging dozens of peasants who are unable to pay
their taxes.}

Do you:
[a] attack the Duke.
[b] imprison the Duke's tax-collectors.
[c] try to negotiate a suitable settlement.
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege. We will try to arrange a meeting.}
_NODE 12.
_NODE n11485.
One of your commanders returns with good news -- and a
warning.

{Majesty, we have defeated the Duke of Compagne near the
town of Verdun, but he has again retreated and combined his
troops with an army even greater than his last. This will be
a formidable battle indeed.}

Do you:
[a] continue to press the attack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the army of the Duke
of Compagne near Verdun. I have nothing else to say.}

Do you:
[a] regroup and stage a counterattack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1149
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE n11490.
One of your commanders returns with good news, and a
warning.

{Majesty, we have defeated the Duke of Compagne near the
town of Verdun, but he has again retreated and combined his
troops with an army even greater than his last. This will be
a formidable battle indeed.}

Do you:
[a] continue to press the attack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the army of the Duke
of Compagne near Verdun. His forces are clearly better than
ours. We should sue for peace immediately.}

Do you:
[a] regroup and stage a counterattack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
_NODE 14.
_NODE n11495.
A messenger returns from the Duke of Compagne.

{Majesty, our last messenger appears to have been slain by bandits.
His body was found in the woods of Compagne. The Duke expresses
his regrets over the death of one of your servants in his territory.}

Do you:
[a] continue the negotiations with the Duke of Compagne.
[b] ignore him.
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1150
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE n11500.
_NODE 15a.
_NODE n11501.
A messenger returns from the siege of the Duke of Compagne's castle.

{Majesty, our attempts to lay siege to the Duke of Compagne are
futile. He makes sorties at will; his archers seem to have limitless
supplies of arrows. We are sending men to a mass grave with no hope
of success!}

Do you:
[a] attempt to resume the siege.
[b] ask for a truce.
{As you command, my liege.}
{Very good, my lord.}
_NODE 15b.
_NODE n11502.
A messenger returns from the siege of the Duke of Compagne's castle.

{Majesty, this siege is madness! Good men -- our men -- are dying,
while the strength of the Duke's fortress mocks our efforts to
destroy him.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to resume the siege.
[b] ask for a truce.
{As you command, my liege.}
{Very good, my lord.}
_NODE 15c.
_NODE n11503.
A messenger returns from the siege of the Duke of Compagne's castle.

{Majesty, we will not break this siege. We should end it at once.
Compagne breaks through our battlelines at will.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to resume the siege.
[b] ask for a truce.
{As you command, my liege.}
{Very good, my lord.}
_NODE 15d.
_NODE n11504.
A messenger returns from the siege of the Duke of Compagne's castle.

{Majesty, this siege is costing us the lives of many good men. I fear
the place will never fall, but we will fight to the death to see
those walls crumble.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to resume the siege.
[b] ask for a truce.
{As you command, my liege.}
{Very good, my lord.}
_NODE 16.
_NODE n11505.
A messenger reports on a disturbing incident.

{Majesty, soldiers wearing the emblem of the Duke of Compagne have
waylaid and captured our ally, Baron Cerconse. They are asking a
ransom of three thousand marks for his release.}

Do you:
[a] offer 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] give him 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[c] demand his immediate and unconditional release.
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{I suppose the Duke is prepared to be merciful.}
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{Let us hope these little power games of yours will
soon come to an end.}
{You are in no position to make demands, fool!}
_NODE 16.
_NODE n11506.
A messenger from the Duke of Compagne again demands 3,000 marks
ransom for the release of your ally, Baron Cerconse.

Do you:
[a] offer 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] give him 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[c] demand his immediate and unconditional release.
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{I suppose the Duke is prepared to be merciful.}
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{Let us hope these little power games of yours will
soon come to an end.}
{You are in no position to make demands, fool!}

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1151
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE n11510.
A messenger reports on a disturbing incident.

{Majesty, soldiers wearing the emblem of the Duke of Compagne have
been marching through the townships of this province at all hours
of the night. They have attacked no one, except for trouble in one
town that refused to provide them with provisions, but this action is
clearly a challenge to your authority.}

Do you:
[a] declare a curfew and arrest any violators.
[b] send a message to the Duke protesting this incident.
[c] ignore this silly incident.
{An excellent idea, Majesty.}
{Perhaps this time he'll listen to reason.}
{Very good.}
_NODE 18.
_NODE n11515.
A messenger reports.

{Majesty, the army of the Duke of Compagne is on the move. It has
been moving from place to place, trying to draw our forces. It is
odd that the Duke has not attacked any of our strongpoints. Perhaps
he is a coward.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to draw the army into a trap.
[b] continue to watch and wait.
{An excellent idea, Majesty.}
{Perhaps this time he'll listen to reason.}

-------------
Cluster: 1152
-------------

_NODE 19.
_NODE n11520.
A messenger arrives from the Duke of Compagne.

{Majesty, the Duke wishes proof of your good intentions. He wishes
you to promise to remove all of your armies from Compagne after you
have been crowned King, and to annex Nevers into the Duke's desmesne.

Do you:
[a] agree.
[b] refuse.
{Wonderful. I shall inform him at once.}
{Perhaps this time he shall listen to reason,}
you mutter to yourself.
_NODE 20.
_NODE n11525.
One of your commanders returns with good news!

{Majesty, we have defeated the Duke of Compagne near the
town of Chapeaux. He has surrendered unconditionally,
paid a ransom of 5,000 marks, and signed an oath of
loyalty to you.}
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the army of the Duke
of Compagne near Chapeaux. He says he is willing to settle
your differences if you promise to give him autonomy and
allow him to annex Nevers when you are King.}

Do you:
[a] regroup and stage a counterattack.
[b] agree to his terms.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1153
-------------

_NODE 21.
_NODE n11530.
One of your commanders returns with good news!

{Majesty, we have defeated the Duke of Compagne near the
town of Chapeaux. He has surrendered unconditionally,
paid a ransom of 5,000 marks, and signed an oath of
loyalty to you.}
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the army of the Duke
of Compagne near Chapeaux. He says he is willing to settle
your differences if you promise to give him autonomy and
allow him to annex Nevers when you are King.}

Do you:
[a] regroup and stage a counterattack.
[b] agree to his terms.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
_NODE 22.
_NODE n11535.
A messenger reports.

{Majesty, the Duke of Compagne has discovered that one of his advisors
has been spreading lies about you. He has made claims of your savagery
and brutality. Apparently, this advisor was spying for one of the
other claimants to the throne, he does not know which one.

{The Duke feels he has been led into some unnecessary conflicts with
you. To make amends, he is offering you 3,000 marks.}

-------------
Cluster: 1154
-------------

_NODE 23.
_NODE n11540.
A messenger reports.

{Majesty, the Duke of Compagne's messengers are being killed by
bandits. He is not certain whether these bandits are in your
service; he would like you to send some of your infantry to destroy
them and prove your good faith.}

Do you:
[a] point out that you have also lost messengers to these bandits.
[b] offer a unit of infantry.
[c] offer two units of infantry.
{You have a point. But sacrificing your men to help the
Duke is the neighbourly thing to do.}
{You do not have the men to send.}
{Thank you, Majesty.}
A messenger returns from the battle against the
bandits.

{Good news, Majesty! We have won! The bandits are
no more. Furthermore, I believe our actions may
have convinced the Duke of Compagne of our good will.}
{You do not have the men to send.}
{Thank you, Majesty.}
A messenger returns from the battle against the
bandits.

{Good news, Majesty! We have won! The bandits are
no more. Furthermore, I believe our actions may
have convinced the Duke of Compagne of our good will.}
_NODE 24.
_NODE n11545.
Whispers in the dark...

{Majesty, Baron Longchamps, who has long been an enemy of the
Duke of Compagne, has reacted to the Duke's last act by taking one
of the Duke's retainers hostage, and holding him for ransom.}

Do you:
[a] order Longchamps to release his hostage.
[b] ask for 3,000 marks (3 Gold) in ransom.
{He shall be informed.}
The ransom is paid, but not happily.

-------------
Cluster: 1155
-------------

_NODE 25.
_NODE n11550.
{Majesty, the army of the Duke of Compagne continues to violate your
curfew order. No one is powerful enough to arrest them. They do
very little damage, but they continue to defy you.}

Do you:
[a] order your army to arrest them.
[b] send a message to the Duke protesting this incident.
[c] ignore this silly incident.
{This will be a challenge, my liege.}
{Perhaps this time he'll listen to reason.}
{Very good.}
_NODE 26.
_NODE n11555.
A messenger comes from the Duke of Compagne.

{The Duke felt that his troops needed exercise, and that the townships
of this region needed to be guarded at night. They didn't threaten
you, or cause problems for you. Why should you object?}

Do you:
[a] request that they stop marching.
[b] request that they stop marching through towns at night.
[c] inform him that the next time they march, they will have to deal
with your army.
{I suppose they've had enough training for now.}
{I suppose they've had enough training for now.}
{Thank you for the offer of assisting in their training.}

-------------
Cluster: 1156
-------------

_NODE 27.
_NODE n11560.
{Majesty, the army of the Duke of Compagne continues to march through
your townships at night. They do very little damage, but they
continue to defy you.}

Do you:
[a] order your army to arrest them.
[b] send a message to the Duke protesting this incident.
[c] ignore this silly incident.
{This will be a challenge, my liege.}
{Perhaps this time he'll listen to reason.}
{Very good.}
_NODE 28.
_NODE n11565.
One of your commanders returns with good news!

{Majesty, we have defeated the Duke of Compagne near the
town of Chapeaux. His army was excellent at fighting from a
defensive position, but lacked the courage to initiate an assault.
The Duke was captured, paid a ransom of 5,000 marks, and has signed
an oath of loyalty to you.}

-------------
Cluster: 1157
-------------

_NODE 29.
_NODE n11570.
A messenger reports.

{Majesty, the army of the Duke of Compagne continues to move without
attacking us. I do not understand his strategem. What are your orders?}

[a] attempt to draw the army into a trap.
[b] continue to watch and wait.
[c] attack the Duke's army at the first opportunity.
{An excellent idea, Majesty.}
{Perhaps this time he'll listen to reason.}
{As you command, Majesty.}
_NODE 30.
_NODE n11575.
A messenger comes riding from Nevers.

{Your lordship, we have heard that you intend to annex Nevers to
Compagne. This will not be tolerated!}

Do you:
[a] deny the rumor.
[b] inform the messenger that he will enjoy being part of Compagne.
{It had better not be true!}
{You shall not enjoy the effort!}

-------------
Cluster: 1158
-------------

_NODE 31.
_NODE n11580.
One of your commanders returns with good news!

{Majesty, we have finally defeated the forces of the Duke
of Compagne. He has surrendered unconditionally,
paid a ransom of 5,000 marks, and signed an oath of
loyalty to you.}
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the army of the Duke
of Compagne. He says he is still willing to settle
your differences if you allow him to annex Nevers when you
are King.}

Do you:
[a] regroup and stage a counterattack.
[b] agree to his terms.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
_NODE 32.
_NODE n11585.
A messenger comes riding from Compagne.

{Your lordship, the Duke is weary of these games. He is willing
to trade his brother, Stephen, to you for one of your nephews. An
exchange of hostages would be a measure of good faith.}

Do you:
[a] agree to exchange hostages.
[b] marry your niece to his brother instead.
[c] try to coexist without hostages or marriages.
{That is good.}

Although the Duke is frequently irritating, you manage to
keep out of each other's way.
{An even better idea!}

Although the Duke is frequently irritating, you manage to
keep out of each other's way. The dowry of 3,000 marks is
particularly satisfying.
Although the Duke is frequently irritating, you manage to
keep out of each other's way.

-------------
Cluster: 1159
-------------

_NODE 33.
_NODE n11590.
Battle breaks out between your forces and the soldiers of the Duke
of Compagne.

One of your commanders returns with good news!

{Majesty, we have finally defeated the forces of the Duke
of Compagne. He has surrendered unconditionally,
paid a ransom of 5,000 marks, and signed an oath of
loyalty to you.}
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the army of the Duke
of Compagne. He says he is willing to settle your differences
if you allow him to annex Nevers when you become King.}

Do you:
[a] regroup and stage a counterattack.
[b] agree to his terms.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1160
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE 11600.
One of your councillors offers advice.

{Majesty, there is a civil war in Castile. We may take advantage of
this by trading with one of three factions.

{First, there is the del Rivera. They are the richest of the factions,
but are easily offended. They have good horsemen, but are short of
foot soldiers.

{Then, there is the de Vegas. They live in a mountainous region, and
use the tactics of brigands against their enemies.

{The third faction is the Medinas. They are the most numerous, but
their troops are not well-trained.}

Do you:
[a] deal with the del Rivera.
[b] deal with the de Vegas.
[c] deal with the Medinas.
{Very good, my liege.}
{Very good, my liege.}
{Very good, my liege.}
_NODE 2.
_NODE 11602.
A messenger comes from the nearby province of Castile.

{Majesty, I am Roberto del Rivera, a member of one of the most
respected families in Castile, and its rightful king. We need
help in reclaiming our throne.

{We need troops badly. We are willing to pay 3,000 marks for one of
your infantry units.}

Do you:
[a] accept his offer (3 Gold).
[b] haggle.
[c] reject his offer.
{Liar! You do not have any infantry! How dare you
insult the honor of a del Rivera! I challenge you
to a duel, sirrah!}

Do you:
[a] accept the challenge.
[b] reject the challenge.
{I am the greatest swordsman in Castile! You
shall die on my blade.}
{Coward!}
{Excellent! It was a pleasure doing business with
you.}
{Liar! You do not have any infantry! How dare you
insult the honor of a del Rivera! I challenge you
to a duel, sirrah!}

Do you:
[a] accept the challenge.
[b] reject the challenge.
{I am the greatest swordsman in Castile! You
shall die on my blade.}
{Coward!}
You ask for:
[a] 4,000 marks (4 Gold).
[b] 5,000 marks (5 Gold).
[c] 3,000 marks and 2 units of Food, Timber, and Iron.
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! Good day!}
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! Good day!}
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! Good day!}
{Well! I guess the stories they say about you are true!}
_NODE 3.
_NODE 11605.
Your faithful aide, Sir Graham De La Montagne, comes to you.

{Majesty, I understand it is not long before your duel with Roberto
Del Rivera takes place. That swine has no right to challenge a king.
Honor me, Majesty, by naming me as your champion and allowing me to
defend your honor.}

Graham is a stout knight, but there are better ones in your service...

Do you
[a] fight the duel yourself.
[b] name Sir Graham as your champion.
[c] find a better knight than Sir Graham, and name him your champion.
{I understand, Majesty.}
{Thank you, Majesty!}
{Of course. I understand perfectly.}

-------------
Cluster: 1161
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE 11610.
A messenger comes from the nearby province of Castile.

{Majesty, I am Simon de Vegas, a member of one of the most
respected members of the oldest family in Castile, and its rightful
king. We need help in reclaiming the throne that is rightfully ours.

{Our archers have taken heavy losses of late. We are willing to pay
2,000 marks for one of your archer units.}

Do you:
[a] accept his offer (2 Gold).
[b] haggle.
[c] reject his offer.
{How interesting. Your seneschal has just told me
that you have no archers. I do not appreciate
thieves. I demand an apology!}

Do you:
[a] apologize.
[b] refuse to apologize.
{It is accepted. May our future dealings be
more honorable.}
{Then you are a swine, and I shall not dirty
myself by staying in your presence.}
{Excellent! It was a pleasure doing business with
you.}
{How interesting. Your seneschal has just told me
that you have no archers. I do not appreciate
thieves. I demand an apology!}

Do you:
[a] apologize.
[b] refuse to apologize.
{It is accepted. May our future dealings be
more honorable.}
{Then you are a swine, and I shall not dirty
myself by staying in your presence.}
You ask for:
[a] 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[b] 4,000 marks (4 Gold).
[c] 2,000 marks and 2 units of Food, Timber, and Iron.
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! This is an
insult!}
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! This is an
insult!}
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! Good day!}
{Well! I don't know how anyone can stand you.}
_NODE 5.
_NODE 11615.
Roberto del Rivera returns.

{Majesty, things are desperate. As you may have heard, the Moors
have turned against us, and are attacking us. We need more infantry to
defend against their cavalry. We are willing to pay 2,000 marks for
one of your infantry units.}

Do you:
[a] accept his offer (2 Gold).
[b] haggle.
[c] reject his offer.
{Liar! You do not have any infantry! How dare you
insult the honor of a del Rivera! I challenge you
to a duel, sirrah!}

Do you:
[a] accept the challenge.
[b] reject the challenge.
{I am the greatest swordsman in Castile! You
shall die on my blade.}
{Coward!}
{Excellent! It was a pleasure doing business with
you.}
{Liar! You do not have any infantry! How dare you
insult the honor of a del Rivera! I challenge you
to a duel, sirrah!}

Do you:
[a] accept the challenge.
[b] reject the challenge.
{I am the greatest swordsman in Castile! You
shall die on my blade.}
{Coward!}
You ask for:
[a] 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[b] 4,000 marks (4 Gold).
[c] 5,000 marks and 2 units of Food, Timber, and Iron.
{Haggling is out of the question. Farewell.}
{Haggling is out of the question. Farewell.}
{Haggling is out of the question. Farewell.}
{Well! I guess the stories they say about you are true!}

-------------
Cluster: 1162
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE 11620.
The day of your duel against Roberto del Rivera has come.
You are beaten. He demands satisfaction, or death.

Do you:
[a] offer him 2,000 marks.
[b] offer an apology.
[c] tell him to finish the duel.
{You do not have the money! Liar!}

He raises his sword...

Do you:
[a] beg for your life.
[b] offer an apology.
[c] tell him to finish the duel.
{Pitiful wretch! You think you would be a
king? Get out of my sight!}
{People have better manners when a sword is
at their throat. Your apology is accepted.}
{Your pride is greater than your intelligence.
Begone, and be glad to be alive!}
{Bah! If we did not need the money, I'd slice you in
two.}
{People have better manners when a sword is
at their throat. Your apology is accepted.}
{Your pride is greater than your intelligence.
Begone, and be glad to be alive!}
_NODE 7.
_NODE 11625.
The day of your duel against Roberto del Rivera has come. Your
champion steps forward.
He defeats del Rivera. Your champion looks at you to see if you
wish to finish him.

Do you order him to:
[a] kill Roberto del Rivera.
[b] spare his life.
Roberto is slain. The knights of Castile are aghast, and
then turn away from you.
You have shamed del Rivera. He picks himself off the ground,
says nothing, and walks away.

-------------
Cluster: 1163
-------------

_NODE 8.
_NODE 11630.
A messenger comes from the nearby province of Castile.

{Majesty, I am Ramon Medina, a member of one of the most
respected members of the oldest family in Castile, and its rightful
king. We need help in reclaiming the throne that is rightfully ours.

{We need troops badly. We are willing to pay 3,000 marks for one of
your cavalry units.}

Do you:
[a] accept his offer (3 Gold).
[b] haggle.
[c] reject his offer.
{Your seneschal has just told me that you do not
have cavalry. What kind of a king has no cavalry?}

Do you:
[a] tell him you don't need cavalry.
[b] tell him that you aren't the only person in the
room who needs cavalry.
He frowns, and leaves.
He laughs, and leaves.
{Excellent! It was a pleasure doing business with
you.}
{Your seneschal has just told me that you do not
have cavalry. What kind of a king has no cavalry?}

Do you:
[a] tell him you don't need cavalry.
[b] tell him that you aren't the only person in the
room who needs cavalry.
He frowns, and leaves.
He laughs, and leaves.
You ask for:
[a] 4,000 marks (4 Gold).
[b] 5,000 marks (5 Gold).
[c] 3,000 marks and 2 units of Food, Timber, and Iron.
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! This is an
insult!}
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! This is an
insult!}
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! Good day!}
{Well! I don't know how anyone can stand you.}
_NODE 9.
_NODE 11635.
Simon de Vegas returns from Castile.

{Majesty, we have been traitorously attacked by the Medinas,
after we thought we had a truce with them. Our archers have been
decimated. We will pay 1,000 marks for a unit of archers.}

Do you:
[a] accept his offer (1 Gold).
[b] haggle.
[c] reject his offer.
{How interesting. Your seneschal has just told me
that you have no archers. I do not appreciate
thieves. I demand an apology!}

Do you:
[a] apologize.
[b] refuse to apologize.
{It is accepted. May our future dealings be
more honorable.}
{Then you are a swine, and I shall not dirty
myself by staying in your presence.}
{Excellent! It was a pleasure doing business with
you.}
{How interesting. Your seneschal has just told me
that you have no archers. I do not appreciate
thieves. I demand an apology!}

Do you:
[a] apologize.
[b] refuse to apologize.
{It is accepted. May our future dealings be
more honorable.}
{Then you are a swine, and I shall not dirty
myself by staying in your presence.}
You ask for:
[a] 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[c] 1,000 marks and 2 units of Food, Timber, and Iron.
{We cannot afford to haggle at the moment.}
{We cannot afford to haggle at the moment.}
{We cannot afford to haggle at the moment.}
{Well! I don't know how anyone can stand you.}

-------------
Cluster: 1164
-------------

_NODE 10.
_NODE 11640.
A messenger brings bad news.

{Majesty, exiles from the Castile civil war have crossed into
Bayonne. Many have lost their homes. Many are orphans whose parents
have been slaughtered because they might not belong to the proper
faction. It is a most pitiful sight.

{The people of Bayonne are fearful that they will lose their
jobs and homes to these displaced Castilians, and some agitators
are urging the destruction of the Castilians' settlements, which
are the most pitiful hovels in Christendom.}

Do you:
[a] send your army into Castile to create a peaceful area for the
exiles to live.
[b] send a unit of infantry to improve their shelters and guard them.
[c] make a statement urging the people not to harm the exiles.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Majesty, we have no infantry, remember?}

The only thing you can do is to urge people not to
harm the exiles.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 11.
_NODE 11645.
A messenger brings news from Castile.

{Majesty, the Medina faction has defeated the Del Riveras. They have
crossed into Bayonne to pursue the remaining Del Riveras, and their
possible allies.}

Bayonne, of course, is rightfully your province...

Do you:
[a] send an ultimatum to the Medinas to retreat immediately.
[b] order your army to attack them immediately.
[c] wait to see if they retreat.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Very good, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1165
-------------

_NODE 12.
_NODE 11650.
A messenger brings news.

{Majesty, we are having problems with people agitating for our
involvement in the Castilian Civil War. I fear people may soon take
rash action that may get us involved in a war we do not need.}

Do you:
[a] send an infantry unit to your border to prevent people from
crossing.
[b] order your people not to become involved.
[c] allow them to do as they want.
{We do not have the infantry, Majesty. I will send
local militia.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 13.
_NODE 11655.
Ramon Medina returns from Castile.

{Our fortunes are improving, and we hope to slaughter all of our
enemies like pigs in the next campaign. We are short of cavalry, and
are willing to pay 1,000 marks for one of your cavalry units.}

Do you:
[a] accept his offer (1 Gold).
[b] haggle.
[c] reject his offer.
{Your seneschal has just told me that you do not
have cavalry. What kind of a king has no cavalry?}

Do you:
[a] tell him you don't need cavalry.
[b] tell him that you aren't the only person in the
room who needs cavalry.
He frowns, and leaves.
He laughs, and leaves.
{Excellent! It was a pleasure doing business with
you.}
{Your seneschal has just told me that you do not
have cavalry. What kind of a king has no cavalry?}

Do you:
[a] tell him you don't need cavalry.
[b] tell him that you aren't the only person in the
room who needs cavalry.
He frowns, and leaves.
He laughs, and leaves.
You ask for:
[a] 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[c] 1,000 marks and 1 unit of Food, Timber, and Iron.
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! This is an
insult!}
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! This is an
insult!}
{We accept your offer.}
{Your greed is appalling! Good day!}
{Well! I don't know how anyone can stand you.}

-------------
Cluster: 1166
-------------

_NODE 14.
_NODE 11660.
Simon de Vegas returns from Castile.

{Majesty, we continue to suffer from the treachery of the Medinas.
We need more archers; unfortunately, we cannot pay for them at this
time. If you would be so kind as to help an old friend in his hour of
need, we would be grateful.}

Do you:
[a] give him a unit of archers.
[b] haggle.
[c] reject his offer.
{But you have no archers! We are doomed!}
{Excellent! It was a pleasure doing business with
you.}
{But you have no archers! We are doomed!}
You ask for:
[a] 1,000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[c] 1 unit of Food, Timber, and Iron.
{We cannot afford to haggle at the moment.}
{We cannot afford to haggle at the moment.}
{We have a surplus of iron. Would you accept
2,000 tonnes (2 Units) of iron as payment?}

[a] yes.
[b] no.
{Thank you!}
{I see.}
{Well! I don't know how anyone can stand you.}
_NODE 15.
_NODE 11665.
You receive a message from Castile.

{Majesty, our attempt to stabilize Castile for the exiles has not
been successful. The army has suffered many casualties from ambushes.
As noble as our goals may have been, it does not appear that we can
pacify Castile.}

Do you:
[a] abandon Castile.
[b] continue to try to pacify Castile.
{This is a sad day, Majesty.}
{As you command, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1167
-------------

_NODE 16.
_NODE 11670.
You receive a message from the hovels of the exiled Castilians.

{Majesty, we have grave problems. More exiles are coming to our
makeshift village. All are hungry, even the children. Disease is
commonplace, and the locals treat them as if they have the plague.
We simply do not have the capacity to help all of them.}

Do you:
[a] send grain and timber to the camps to help them.
[b] abandon them.
_NODE 16a.
_NODE 11671.
You send...

[a] one unit of Timber and one unit of Grain.
[b] two units of Timber and two units of Grain.
[c] three units of Timber and three units of Grain.
{You are unable to help them.}
{They will be grateful.}
{You are unable to help them.}
{They will be grateful.}
{You are unable to help them.}
{They will be grateful.}
_NODE 16b.
_NODE 11672.
{This is a grave tragedy, Majesty.}
_NODE 17.
_NODE 11675.
A message comes from the hovels of the exiles from Castile.

{Majesty, I am happy to report that the people seem to be
respecting your wishes. However, more exiles from Castile
are flocking to our encampment, and it is very difficult
to feed and shelter them.}
{Majesty, the people are ignoring your wishes and are
attacking the Castilian exiles. They need protection.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of infantry to protect them.
[b] let them take care of themselves.
{We do not have the infantry. I'll send
local militia instead.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Of course. Compassion is for the weak.}

-------------
Cluster: 1168
-------------

_NODE 18.
_NODE 11680.
A representative from the Medina family responds to your ultimatum.

{It was never our intention to violate your sovereignty, and we have
no intention of staying in your lands. However, we will not withdraw
while under the threat of an ultimatum. If you wish us to leave,
withdraw your ultimatum!}

Do you:
[a] withdraw your ultimatum.
[b] refuse to withdraw your ultimatum.
[c] withdraw it if they issue an apology.
{Then there shall be peace between us!}

The Medina soon withdraw.
{Then there shall be war between us!}
{Apologize? For a minor intrusion into your territory? Well,
very well. I regret this extremely minor and inconsequential
action.}

The Medina soon withdraw.
_NODE 19.
_NODE 11685.
You receive word of the situation in the regions bordering Castile.

{Majesty, our attack caught the army of Count Medina by complete
surprise. He has withdrawn from our lands.}
_NODE 19a.
_NODE 11686.
Your scouts report on the movement of the armies of Medina.

{Majesty, the army of Count Medina is regrouping. I believe he
intends to attack us.}

Do you:
[a] try to negotiate.
[b] prepare for his attack.
The head of your messenger is returned. His body has been misplaced.
{They shall learn the difference between rabble and real
soldiers, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1169
-------------

_NODE 20.
_NODE 11690.
You receive word of the situation in the regions bordering Castile.

{Majesty, the army of Count Medina has withdrawn from our lands. They
sent no message, but seem to be staying on their side of our border.}
_NODE 21.
_NODE 11695.
You receive word of the situation in the regions bordering Castile.

{Majesty, there are clashes between Castilian sympathizers and
our infantry along the border. Our soldiers have been able to contain
them, but it might be prudent to send another unit of infantry to the
border.}

Do you:
[a] send another unit of infantry.
[b] send a message proclaiming that any further violence will not go
unpunished.
[c] wait to see if anything new develops.
{Majesty, we do not have any infantry to send.}
{Excellent, my liege.}
{A message will be sent. I'm certain they'll respond.}
{A prudent choice, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1170
-------------

_NODE 22.
_NODE 11700.
You receive word of the situation in the regions bordering Castile.

{Majesty, some of our people have attacked the army of Castile, and
now the forces of Castile are attacking them back. Our southwestern
villages may be massacred. Something must be done!}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry to help them out.
[b] send a message to the Castilians ordering them to desist.
[c] wait to see if anything new develops.
{Majesty, we do not have any infantry to send.}
{Excellent, my liege.}
{A message will be sent. I'm certain they'll respond.}
{A prudent choice, my liege.}
_NODE 23.
_NODE 11705.
Ramon Medina returns from Castile.

{Majesty, we have met a temporary setback. Might we borrow two
units of cavalry (Knights) and pay for them later? We would be most
grateful.

Do you:
[a] agree to give him the two units.
[b] agree to give him a single unit.
[c] reject his offer.
{Your seneschal has just told me that you do not
have cavalry. What kind of a king has no cavalry?}
{Excellent! It was a pleasure doing business with
you.}
{Your seneschal has just told me that you do not
have cavalry. What kind of a king has no cavalry?}
{I suppose that we can make do with this.}
{Well! I don't know how anyone can stand you.}

-------------
Cluster: 1171
-------------

_NODE 24.
_NODE 11710.
A messenger brings news from Castile.

{Majesty, the Medina faction has defeated the De Vegas. They have
crossed into Bayonne to pursue the remaining De Vegas, and their
possible allies.}

Bayonne, of course, is rightfully your province...

Do you:
[a] send an ultimatum to the Medinas to retreat immediately.
[b] order your army to attack them immediately.
[c] wait to see if they retreat.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 25.
_NODE 11715.
Simon de Vegas returns from Castile.

{Majesty, we have... unfortunately... been... well... uh...}

A messenger informs you that the Medinas annihilated the de Vegas. De
Vegas' face turns a bright red.

{We have been friends for many months. How about giving me sanctuary
and a small pension in your court?}

Do you:
[a] imprison him for fraud.
[b] send him to a monastery.
[c] ransom him to the Medinas.
You never see him again, and do your best not to deal with
the problems of Castile for a long time, for soon a new
problem will come to your attention...
You never see him again, and do your best not to deal with
the problems of Castile for a long time, for soon a new
problem will come to your attention...
{No!}

The Medinas give you a mere 1,000 marks for him, and hang
him in a public ceremony. You decide to stay out of this
civil war, and concentrate on your own.

-------------
Cluster: 1172
-------------

_NODE 26.
_NODE 11720.
A messenger returns from Castile.

{Majesty, there has been a massacre. Despite our best efforts, the
exiles from Castile who returned to their homeland were attacked
and murdered by soldiers -- or bandits -- at this point in the war there is
little difference. I don't understand the point of it, my
liege. They threatened no one. They harmed no one. Their only wish was
to live in peace, and they were slaughtered for no reason. Why?}

Disgusted, you turn away from the affairs of Castile, and hope
to find a way to get a good night's sleep.
_NODE 27.
_NODE 11725.
A messenger returns from Castile.

{Majesty, our soldiers have engaged some of the rabble that have
been terrorizing Castile. I believe that we have persuaded them
"to attack elsewhere, but I doubt that we can pacify it for long. "
Our troops are needed elsewhere.}

You turn away from the affairs of Castile, saying a prayer for those
unfortunate enough to be left behind.

-------------
Cluster: 1173
-------------

_NODE 28.
_NODE 11730.
A messenger returns from the homes of the Castilian exiles.

{Majesty, I regret to say that the settlement of the exiles has
been destroyed. Our own people, out of fear and suspicion, rose
up and destroyed them. The Church is greatly upset, and the Pope
will soon hold a Mass for the victims of this tragedy.}

You say a silent prayer for the dead, and then turn to other
affairs.
_NODE 29.
_NODE 11735.
A messenger returns from the homes of the Castilian exiles.

{There is hope in Castile, Majesty. The latest truce has lasted
several weeks longer than anyone expected, and the combatants are
meeting to try to put an end to the civil war. Many of the exiles
are bravely returning to their own land.}

You say a silent prayer for peace, and then move on to other
matters.

-------------
Cluster: 1174
-------------

_NODE 30.
_NODE 11740.
A messenger returns from Castile, speaking of battle.

{Majesty, we easily bested the army of Medina. They have agreed to
stay away from our lands, if we keep away from Castile.}

You turn away from the affairs of Castile, hoping that your
fate does not entangle you with them again.
_NODE 31.
_NODE 11745.
A messenger from Castile brings terrible news.

{Majesty, an army from Castile has massacred our villiages. Our
people -- some of our people -- were aiding their enemies, but this...}

Do you:
[a] send your army to attack them.
[b] send a messenger to the Pope complaining of this mistreatment.
[c] stay as far away from Castile as you can get.
{As you wish.}
{A wise decision, my liege.}
You receive word of a recent Papal decision.

{Majesty, the Pope has excommunicated the heads of all of
the warring Castilian factions. It would seem that this
war has troubled his Holiness for some time, and the
massacre of our people was the last straw.}

You realize there is little you can do about Castile now,
and decide to wait until the Bretagnese civil war is over
before turning your attention back to that nest of vipers.
A sigh of relief is present on everyone's face. Castile
is a quagmire of endless suffering and death. You have done
well to stay away from it.

-------------
Cluster: 1175
-------------

_NODE 32.
_NODE 11750.
A messenger returns from Castile, speaking of battle.

{Majesty, we easily bested the Castilians. They have agreed to
stay away from our lands, if we keep away from Castile. We have
agreed to hang anyone who involves himself in the civil war without
our approval. I trust your Majesty has no objections to this promise?}

You turn away from the affairs of Castile, hoping that your
fate does not entangle you with them again.
_NODE 33.
_NODE 11755.
A messenger returns from Castile, after brutal negotiations.

{Majesty, we have reached an agreement. They have agreed to
stay away from our lands, if we keep away from Castile. We have
agreed to hang anyone who involves himself in the civil war without
our approval. I trust your Majesty has no objections to this promise?}

You turn away from the affairs of Castile, hoping that your
fate does not entangle you with them again.

-------------
Cluster: 1176
-------------

_NODE 33.
_NODE 11760.
News reaches your ear...

{Majesty, Phillipe and Ramon Medina were murdered last week. The
alliance of the various branches of the Medina family has collapsed,
and any hope of peace has faded. If anything, the civil war will now
be more brutal and bloody.}

You turn away from the affairs of Castile, hoping that your
fate does not entangle you with them again.

-------------
Cluster: 1177
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE 11770.
Word is brought to you from Besancon.

{Majesty, one of the monks at the Abbey of St. Lawrence has found
records of the tomb of the great hero of the Franks, the perfect
paladin, Roland. It said that magical treasures beyond the ken of
mortal men are buried there. Perhaps we should pursue this.}

Do you:
[a] ask the monk to investigate.
[b] keep watching the area.
[c] ignore it.
{It shall be done.}
{A spy shall be sent.}
{Of course.}
_NODE 2.
_NODE 11775.
The bishop allows the monk to visit you.

{Majesty, the legend of the tomb is only a curiosity. I have a rough
idea where he was buried, but no specifics. It might take years to
actually find it.}

Do you:
[a] ask the monk to keep investigating.
[b] ignore the legend.
{I shall gladly do it. It gives me an excuse to not waste
my time pressing grapes.}
{As you wish.}

-------------
Cluster: 1178
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE 11780.
Your spy returns from Besancon.

{Majesty, there are no popular legends about the tomb. There is no
information on where it might be found, except from the records
uncovered by that monk.}

Do you:
[a] ask the monk to investigate.
[b] ignore Roland's tomb.
{Very good, my liege.}
{As you wish.}
_NODE 4.
_NODE 11785.
{Majesty, one of your barons raised food prices last month, and
there have been food riots. What do you intend to do?}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry to suppress the riots.
[b] send several shipments of grain (2 Food units).
[c] chastise the baron for his incompetence.
{We do not have the infantry, Majesty.}

The baron's hand-picked men soon stop the riots,
and they are not gentle about it...
{Very good, Majesty.}

Your infantry marches off to deal with the riots.
The situation is soon brought under control, though
the people would have preferred a more benign solution.
{We do not have the grain, Majesty.}

The baron's hand-picked men soon stop the riots,
and they are not gentle about it...
{Very good, Majesty.}

The situation is soon brought under control, and
though it is not a permanent solution, the people
are glad to see that you care about their well-being.
The baron ignores your reprimand. The food riots are harshly
suppressed.

-------------
Cluster: 1179
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE 11790.
The monk who was investigating Roland's tomb returns.

{Majesty, I have found a reference to the tomb in the eastern
section of Besancon, but it is in a fief that owes its fealty to the
Holy Teutonic Empire. Do you wish to continue looking into this
matter?}

Do you:
[a] ask the monk to keep investigating.
[b] decide not to get into a potential conflict with the Empire.
{This is getting quite exciting!}
{This is most disappointing.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE 11795.
{Majesty, one of your best commanders died of a fever while
preparing his army for battle. His son is an excellent general,
and wishes to be confirmed in his father's command, but there are
several nobles who, while less capable, insist that the honor of the
command be given to one of them.}

Do you:
[a] appoint the commander's son.
[b] appoint one of the nobles.
{Very good.}

Although your decision is to the benefit of your army, there
is a good deal of unhappiness about your choice.
Although your decision is popular, the ability of your army
is reduced.

-------------
Cluster: 1180
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE 11800.
{Majesty, one of your diplomats has died. There are several worthy
successors, however, one of the retired barons wishes to be given
his post, and will pay us 3,000 marks.}

The baron is Baron Francois du Pardue, who is notorious for his
bad manners and hot temper.

Do you:
[a] give the command to Baron Francois (and receive 3 Gold).
[b] give the command to someone who deserves it.
{As you wish.}

While your decision makes you more wealthy, it does not help you
diplomatically.
{Very good.}

Although you are not richer, your diplomacy is certainly
wiser.
_NODE 8.
_NODE 11805.
{Majesty, one of your best and most popular clerks was hit
on the head by a tree branch and has become an idiot. He wishes to
continue in his position, and he is well beloved, but is clearly
incapable of fulfilling his function.}

Do you:
[a] keep the clerk in his post.
[b] retire him with honor.
{As you wish.}

Your compassion is noteworthy, but your administrative
ability suffers.
{Very good.}

There is slight resentment about your decision, but you
are certain it was the correct one.

-------------
Cluster: 1181
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE 11810.
The monk returns.

{I have determined the precise location of the tomb of the Frankish
hero Roland. It is located far from cities and roads, and it would
be difficult to spot. In addition, it would certainly take several weeks
to unearth, and, if you were discovered, the Empire's wrath is
considerable.

{And I would hesitate to disturb the rest of Bretagne's greatest
hero, one who was blessed by God Himself. It is said that
when Roland died, he offered his gauntlet as a gift to God, and that
God honored Roland by sending angels to take the gauntlet and his
soul directly into Heaven. Roland was then buried with his sword.
It may be that Roland's sword is a weapon
great enough to end this civil war, but there are moral risks in
taking from the dead. May God grant you wisdom in this matter.}

Do you:
[a] leave Roland's remains in peace.
[b] send men to unearth the tomb.
{As you wish.}

The tomb of Roland remains a secret for six centuries,
but that's another story...
{As you wish.}
_NODE 9a.
_NODE 11811.
The monk returns.

{Majesty, the Empire has found our expedition to the tomb of Roland,
and imprisoned them. I only barely escaped. They are asking for 3,000
marks as a ransom.}

Do you:
[a] haggle.
[b] pay 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[c] deny any involvement in the matter.
You do not have the funds. The Empire looks upon
this with great suspicion.
{They are certainly getting the better end of this
bargain.}
{Very good, my liege. A little dishonest denial is the
best political trick ever devised.}
_NODE 11812.
Do you wish to pay:
[a] twenty percent of your timber.
[b] twenty percent of your iron.
[c] twenty percent of your grain.
The bargain is sealed and delivered.
_NODE 10.
_NODE 11815.
A messenger arrives.

{Majesty, there has been a rebellion in the western provinces of the
Empire. We might offer to support the Empire and, while our army
just happens to be in the area, we could search for Roland's tomb.}

Do you:
[a] offer to assist the Empire.
[b] ignore this opportunity.
{As you wish.}
{As you wish.}

The mystery of Roland's treasures remain for a future
generation to uncover.

-------------
Cluster: 1182
-------------

_NODE 10.
_NODE 11820.
A messenger departs Besancon and comes to your court.

{Majesty, rumors are spreading that one of the local nobles in
Besancon has uncovered the sword and armor of Roland, and that he
is the rightful king of the Franks. Superstitious locals are flocking
to his banner; I've never seen anything like it.}

Do you:
[a] attack this charlatan.
[b] ignore him.
{Very good.}
{Majesty, I strongly advise you against this course of
action.}

Do you:
[a] attack the charlatan.
[b] ignore him.
_NODE 11.
_NODE 11825.
A messenger comes riding into your court.

{Majesty, we have unearthed the tomb of the great hero Roland. Grave
robbers had looted it before we came; probably centuries ago. There
were no signs of the sword and armor of Hector, or of Roland's other
treasures that are the stuff of legend. But we found a secret chamber,
undisturbed by grave robbers. We estimate that 5,000
marks have been added to your treasury.}

So ends the tale of Roland, greatest hero of the Franks, whose
wealth you hold, ill-gotten, in your fingers. Perhaps you can put
it to good use.

-------------
Cluster: 1183
-------------

_NODE 12.
_NODE 11830.
A messenger comes riding into your court.

{Majesty, the charlatan who claimed to have the sword of Roland is
dead. Instead of engaging his army in battle, our commander challenged
him to personal combat. Since the weapons and armor of Roland were said
to be invincible, when the coward refused to fight, his army realized that he
was an impostor, turned on him, and killed him.}

So ends the second song of Roland, a more comic than tragic tale.
_NODE 13.
_NODE 11835.
A messenger comes riding into your court.

{Majesty, the charlatan who claimed to have the sword of Roland is
dead. One of his followers murdered him in his sleep, and claimed
to be the rightful guardian of Roland's treasures. When the
charlatan's body was found, his army proclaimed that a murderer was
unfit to wield Roland's weapons, and slew the murderer.

{Alas, in the commotion, Roland's weapons were lost. We may never
find them now.}

-------------
Cluster: 1220
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE 12200.
A councillor enters your court and whispers into your ear.
{My liege, one of your spies, Etienne the Swift, has not
reported back from his last assignment.

{We fear that he has been killed or, worse, captured. Should more
word come of his fate, we shall apprise you of the news
immediately.}
A councillor hurries into your court.

{My liege, after many days, Etienne the Swift has returned. However,
he suffers from many grievous wounds, and the surgeons say that
he has not long to live.

{He was found a full sixty miles from his last assignment, and
he claims to have words that only you, Majesty, may hear. He has
just now been brought to the castle.}

Do you:
[a] have Etienne brought to you.
[b] have your councillor go to him and hear his news.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE 12201.
{Very good, my liege.}

Within moments, the bloody and broken body of Etienne is carried
into the court. A glimmer of hope brightens his one good eye as
his gaze falls upon you. Carefully, so as not to get blood on your
robes, you lean over Etienne and put you ear to his mouth.

{Powerful people, m'lord, ... why not ... why not,} he says,
and then his life rattles out of him and his one good eye glazes
over.

Unfortunately, these words mean nothing to you.

Do you:
[a] consult in private with your councillors to determine what
these words mean.
[b] dispatch spies to investigate the area where Etienne was found.
[c] concern yourself with other matters.
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE 12202.
In your private chambers, your councillors consider the possible
meanings of the late spy's words.

At last, shaking his head, one councillor speaks up, saying, {My
liege, we cannot tell whether these words are the mad
ramblings of a mortally wounded man, or whether they portend
something that we cannot understand. No man in Christendom could
solve this mystery with what little we now know.}

Do you:
[a] dispatch spies to investigate the area where Etienne was found.
[b] concern yourself with other matters until you learn more.
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE 12203.
{Very good, my liege. They shall leave at once.}
A councillor enters the court.

{My liege,} he says, {an agent of yours has returned
with news of Etienne's fate. He says that he and his fellows
have not found out who killed Etienne, but they have learned
that other unidentified agents have been working there.
Perhaps Etienne learned of these agents and followed
them away from his original assignment, which is why
he was found so far from where we thought he would be.

{My liege, your men believe that an unknown
force is working behind the scenes,
and they suggest great caution should you ever deal
with those who may be responsible for Etienne's death.}
A councillor enters the court.

{My liege,} he begins, {an agent of yours has returned
from investigating the attack on Etienne the Swift.
He says that whoever killed Etienne was very cautious
and left neither evidence nor witnesses.

It is the considered opinion of your agents that your
enemy in this case is very cunning, whoever he may be.}
A councillor enters the court.

{My liege,} he begins, {an agent of yours has returned
from investigating the attack on Etienne the Swift.
He and his compatriots have discovered nothing.
If I may be frank, I am not surprised by this news,
as your intelligence service is not the envy of other
rulers.}
_NODE 1b.
_NODE 12204.
The councillor returns in a few minutes, with a few spots
of blood staining his robe.

{My liege, Etienne was nearly beyond this mortal realm
when I came to him. He refused to speak to me, insisting that
he speak only to you. We attempted to bring him to your court, but
he passed away before we could reach you. I fear we may never
know what Etienne wanted to tell us.}

Do you:
[a] dispatch spies to investigate the area where Etienne
was found.
[b] ignore the incident.

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1221
-------------

_NODE 2 (1ac).
_NODE 12210.
A councillor hurries into the court, carrying a letter sealed with
wax.

{My liege, a young man gave me this message to be given only to
you. Before I could invite him to speak with you personally, he
departed, and, though I ran after him, I could not find him.

{Majesty, I do not recognize the imprint on the wax that
seals this letter. As you can see, the imprint is an eye, a sigil
unknown to me.}

Do you:
[a] read the letter.
[b] have your men hunt down the courier immediately.
_NODE 2a.
_NODE 12211.
The letter says, {Your man Etienne found us, and he lived long
enough to betray our secrets to you. While we of the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light had wished to remain unknown, Etienne has
forced our hand. Since you know of us already, we wish to
parley with you. An emissary of our powerful and secret Order
shall come to your gardens on midnight thirty days hence,
there to meet with you privately and to invite you to accept
our aid in your attempt to become the king of all Bretagne.
We have much power, and have decided to support you, if you
are of a mind to cooperate with us.}

Do you:
[a] have your guards seek the courier who brought this message.
[b] carry on with other matters.
_NODE 2aa.
_NODE 12212.
After an hour, your Captain of the Guard comes to your court and
tells you that the courier cannot be found.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE 12213.
While waiting to hear whether the courier is
captured, you have time to read the letter that
he brought.

The letter says, {Your man Etienne found us,
and he lived long enough to betray our secrets to you.
While we of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light had wished
to remain unknown, Etienne has forced our hand.
Since you know of us already, we wish to parley with you.
An emissary of our powerful and secret Order
shall come to your gardens on midnight thirty days hence,
there to meet with you privately and to invite you to accept
our aid in your attempt to become the king of all Bretagne.
We have much secret power, and have decided to support
you, if you are of a mind to cooperate with us.}
The Captain of the Guard comes to your court.
Behind him are three guards escorting a young man
in manacles.

{My liege,} says the Captain, {this is that man who brought
you the letter. He says his name is Dominic.}

You observe as Dominic is questioned. He says that he
knows nothing of any secret society. He merely runs errands
for a mysterious man who he knows. He offers to lead you to
that man, if you spare his life and freedom.

Do you:
[a] imprison him.
[b] have him lead your men to his masters.
[c] execute him.
The Captain of the Guard comes into your court and
reports that all attempts to locate and capture the courier
have failed.
_NODE 2ba.
_NODE 12214.
_NODE 2bb.
_NODE 12215.
Your best spy reports to you in your private chambers.

{My liege, the young man named Dominic had
promised to lead us to his master, but he tried to
lead my men into a trap. Luckily, my men were wary, and
they recaptured Dominic and escaped with their lives.}

Do you:
[a] execute Dominic.
[b] throw him in a dungeon.
Your best spy reports to you in your private chambers.

{My liege, the courier Dominic
has betrayed us. Some of my best men were led into
a devilish trap. Not only did Dominic escape, but several
of my best men shall never return.

{My liege, I know not who opposes us with such clever
trickery, but I am not ashamed to say that I respect
their cunning. I only wish that they were under my employ!}
_NODE 2bba.
_NODE 12216.
The execution is swift and secret.
_NODE 2bbb.
_NODE 12217.
{Very good, my liege. In the dungeon, his tricks shall avail him not.}
_NODE 2bc.
_NODE 12218.
The execution is quick and secret, causing not a ripple in your court.

-------------
Cluster: 1222
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE 12220.
According to the letter you received some days ago,
tonight at midnight the emissary from the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light will be coming to your garden to
speak with you.

Do you:
[a] wait for him in the garden alone.
[b] wait for him in the garden with guards present.
[c] have your men capture him when he comes to the garden.
[d] ignore the meeting altogether.
_NODE 3a.
_NODE 12221.
Sometime near midnight, as the first quarter moon has just set,
someone slips into the garden. The dark, cloaked figure makes his
way among the shrubs and fountains to you.

{Greetings, One who would rule this realm.

{Call me Jerome, of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light. Since your
spy, Etienne, told you about us, we have decided to come forward,
so that your power and ours can combine to rule all of Bretagne.}

Do you say:
[a] {Bah! All you offer is impertinence!}
[b] {I suppose you are prepared to prove such a bold claim.}
[c] {What do you want of me?}
_NODE 3aa.
_NODE 12222.
{Scoff if you wish, Majesty. Our knowledge and power are not suitable
for common souls, and perhaps you are a common soul after all.}

He disappears into the garden and is gone into the night.
_NODE 3ab.
_NODE 12223.
{Proof, you wish? Very well, you shall have it.
Fortunately, I come prepared for such skepticism.
Come closer and look at the bauble I carry in my pocket.}

Jerome reaches into a pocket and pulls out a ring that you
recognize to be that of Duke Henri of Anjou.

{Poor Henri does not know it yet, but he is wearing a worthless
replica of this ring on his finger. If we can steal a ring
from a duke's finger, imagine what else we can do.

{Now let me tell you how your forces and mine can
cooperate for the betterment of us both.}
{Proof, you wish? Very well, you shall have it.
Fortunately, I come prepared for such skepticism.
Come closer and look at the bauble I carry in my pocket.}

Jerome reaches into a pocket and pulls out a ring that you
recognize to be that of Count Charles of Valois.

{Poor Charles does not know it yet, but he is wearing a
worthless replica of this ring on his finger. If we can
steal the ring of the great Lord of Valois, you can well
imagine what else we can do.

{Now let me tell you how your forces and mine can
cooperate for our mutual betterment.}

Do you:
[a] ask what they wish of you.
[b] scoff at Jerome and his Order.
_NODE 3ac.
_NODE 12224.
{We of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light seek greater
things than mere power, but to have a king who counts us as an
ally could well make our enlightened quests easier to conduct.
We want you to be king of all Bretagne, provided that you can help
our cause as well. For now, all that you must do is oust a certain
councillor from your court, the one named Germaine. He is
secretly an initiate of our Order. He is trying to take
control of the Order and use us for his own ambitious ends.

{He has no chance to succeed, though his presence in your court
gives him dangerous sway among certain other initiates. If you oust
him, our Order will be unified and fully behind you.
Then we shall be in a position to aid you in your goals.}
{We of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light seek greater
things than mere power, but if we were to have a king who
counted on us as an ally, it would make our enlightened quests
easier to conduct.
We want you to be king of all Bretagne, provided that you can help
our cause. First, you must release
Jerome, our courier, who brought you our message. Then you must
oust a certain councillor from your court, the one named Germaine. He is
secretly an initiate of our Order, and he is trying to take control
for his own ambitious ends.

{He has no chance to succeed, though his presence in your court
gives him dangerous sway among certain other initiates.
Then we shall be in a position to aid you in your goals.}

Do you:
[a] agree to his terms.
[b] pretend to agree to his terms.
[c] scoff.
_NODE 3aca.
_NODE 12225.
{Excellent, O wise king. You shall see that your actions are not
unrewarded.}

The emissary fades back into the shadows and is gone.
_NODE 3acb.
_NODE 12226.
{A most wise decision. I assure you that our cooperation shall be
greatly to your benefit.}

Jerome backs away into the shadows and leaves by unseen means.

Do you:
[a] confront Councillor Germaine about what he knows.
[b] ignore the issue.

-------------
Cluster: 1223
-------------

_NODE 3c.
_NODE 12230.
Though the emissary is very crafty, your guards manage
to capture him, and they bring him to you in chains.
The emissary proves too crafty for your guards,
and he escapes under cover of darkness.
_NODE 3d.
_NODE 12231.
Your guards report spotting someone skulking in the garden just
after midnight, but they were unable to apprehend him.

-------------
Cluster: 1224
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE 12240.
You have captured Jerome, an emissary from the {Ancient Oriental
Order of Light.}

He refuses to talk, even under duress. He claims
that, unless he is released, the Order will wreak a terrible
vengeance upon your lands.

Do you:
[a] execute him.
[b] hold him in a secure dungeon.
[c] free him.
_NODE 4a.
_NODE 12241.
The execution is carried out swiftly and secretly.
_NODE 4b.
_NODE 12242.
Jerome's curses echo through the halls as your men drag
him to your deepest dungeon.
_NODE 4c.
_NODE 12243.
{King, since you have proved reasonable and prudent
in freeing me, I shall tell you why I sought you,
though these words are meant for a king's ears only.}

In you private chambers, he continues.

{We of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light seek greater
things than mere power, but if we were to have a king who
counted on us as an ally, it would make our enlightened quests
easier to conduct.
We want you to be king of all Bretagne, provided that you can help
our cause. First, you must release
Jerome, our courier, who brought you our message. Then you must
oust a certain councillor from your court, the one named Germaine. He is
secretly an initiate of our Order, and is trying to take control
for his own ambitious ends.
{He has no chance to succeed, though his presence in your court
gives him dangerous sway among certain other initiates. If you
oust him, our Order will be unified and fully behind you.
Then we shall be in a position to aid you in your goals.

{Also, we ask that you release our courier, Dominic, the
one who originally brought my message to you.
He is harmless and knows nothing.

{So, Majesty, how do your respond to our offer?}

Do you:
[a] agree to his terms.
[b] pretend to agree to his terms
[c] scoff.
{You know my reason for seeking you, and what we wish of you.
My sincere advice is that you satisfy our request, for it
shall be in your best interest to do so.}

Do you:
[a] agree to his terms.
[b] pretend to agree to his terms
[c] scoff at his nerve.
_NODE 4ca.
_NODE 12244.
{Excellent, O wise ruler. You shall soon see that your actions do not
go unrewarded.}

With that, Jerome leaves your castle.
_NODE 4cb.
_NODE 12245.
Jerome leaves with your assurance that you shall do as the Order
asks, and you chuckle to yourself about his gullibility.
_NODE 4cc.
_NODE 12246.
{Such a tragedy it is that your forces and mine cannot work
together.}

With that, Jerome leaves your castle.

-------------
Cluster: 1225
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE 12250.
You release the courier, Dominic, and he leaves your castle
for parts unknown.

Do you:
[a] have Councillor Germaine dragged out of his bed in the middle
of the night and thrown into your deepest dungeon.
[b] bring him to trial on trumped up charges.
[c] simply dismiss him from your court.
_NODE 5a, 5ca.
_NODE 12251.
The other councillors grow nervous, and you find them
less eager to voice their own opinions. They are obviously
worried that they might be imprisoned with little cause or
warning.
_NODE 5b.
_NODE 12252.
You jail Councillor Germaine and prepare to try him
for treason.
In the past few days, your men have found some strange
items hidden carefully in Councillor Germaine's chambers.
These items, such as a robe, a bizarre candelabra, and
scrolls with indecipherable writings on them,
provide adequate evidence that Germaine was a heretic.
The bishop is glad to help you convict him.
The symbol of the eye, which you first saw on the seal
of the letter that Dominic brought you, is found repeatedly
on the items.

In court, Councillor Germaine makes some nasty accusations
against you (some of them true), but few pay his words
any heed.
_NODE 5c.
_NODE 12253.
Councillor Germaine accepts his dismissal stoically.

{My liege, I cannot disagree with you if you say that your court
would be better without my presence, but in regard for my years of
faithful service, I ask for pay of 3000 marks to help me as I seek
gainful employment elsewhere.}

Do you:
[a] imprison him outright.
[b] pay him in full (3 Gold).
[c] offer him 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[d] offer him 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[e] dismiss him without pay.
_NODE 5cb.
_NODE 12254.
{Thank you, gracious liege. I shall continue to serve you in spirit,
if not in body.}

With that, Councillor Germaine leaves amicably.
_NODE 5cc.
_NODE 12255.
{Thank you, gracious liege.}

With that, Councillor Germaine leaves your court.
A councillor comes to you with rumors
that Councillor Germaine has been speaking ill of you to the
bishop.

{Surely, my liege, these are wicked lies, but the bishop
is not unswayed by them.}
_NODE 5cd.
_NODE 12256.
{Thank you, gracious liege.}

With that, Councillor Germaine leaves your court.
A councillor comes to you, reporting rumors that
Councillor Germaine has been speaking to the bishop at great
length of your faults.

{Surely, my liege, these are wicked lies, but the bishop
is not unswayed by them.}
_NODE 5ce.
_NODE 12257.
{Very well, my liege.}

Holding fury within him, Councillor Germaine leaves your court.
A councillor comes to you with bad news.

{My liege, word has come that Councillor Germaine
went straight to the court of
Count Charles of Valois.
Duke Phillip of Burgundy.
No doubt he is filling the count's ear with
words of our weaknesses.

{In addition, he has proven to have some sway over the clergy,
even the bishop. He is using this power to spread vile lies
about your rule, and about you personally.

{I fear that this bodes ill for you, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1226
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE 12260.
Councillor Germaine asks to speak with you privately. Once in your
private chambers, he begins.
_NODE 6a.
_NODE 12261.
{My liege, the time has come to tell you of
those who may help you gain the crown
of Bretagne.

{I am an initiate in a strange and secret brotherhood
known as the Ancient Oriental Order of Light. They have esoteric,
vague, and sometimes even ludicrous metaphysical goals, but they
also have some measure of covert political power.

{My liege, I have joined their number, and now know how to turn
them to our side in the contest for Bretagne.

{You have spurned their early attempts to contact you. Jerome,
their emissary, has been a major opponent of mine in intrigues within
the Order.

{All you need do now is oust a certain knight, Sir Montsegur, from
his lands. For reasons I do not fully understand, Sir Montsegur is
an enemy of the Order. I have seen to it that the Order will fall
behind you in your claim to the throne of Bretagne once you make
this show of good faith.}

Do you:
[a] imprison Councillor Germaine for treason.
[b] dismiss him from your service.
[c] bring him to trial for treason.
[d] simply refuse the request.
[e] oust Sir Montsegur from his lands.
_NODE 6ad.
_NODE 12262.
{As you wish, my liege.}

Do you:
[a] report these goings on to the bishop.
[b] keep them to yourself.
The Order never bothers you again.

-------------
Cluster: 1227
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE 12270.
How do you justify or carry out the eviction of Sir Montsegur?

Do you:
[a] compensate him with gold.
[b] rely on your royal authority.
[c] frame him for some convenient crime.
{My liege, we cannot afford any expense.}

Do you:
[a] rely on your royal authority.
[b] frame him for some convenient crime.
_NODE 7a.
_NODE 12271.
You judge that 5000 marks would be fair, but, as a king, you
can probably get away with less.

How much do you offer him?
[a] 1000 marks.
[b] 2000 marks.
[c] 3000 marks.
[d] 4000 marks.
[e] 5000 marks.
You cannot afford that much.
Sir Montsegur accepts the loss of his lands,
though he is obviously unhappy.
Sir Montsegur concedes his lands, but he curses your
name and spreads discontent among your other military
leaders. The loyalty of your commanders is compromised.
_NODE 7b.
_NODE 12272.
Sir Montsegur is outraged, but unable to keep his lands from you.
He does, however, curse your name and spread the story of this
injustice among his friends, who are military leaders in your lands.
The loyalty of your commanders is compromised, and the people
express distress at your unjust treatment of Sir Montsegur.
_NODE 7c.
_NODE 12273.
You begin preparations for the trial.
Your men find heretical writings and paraphernalia in Sir
Montsegur's private quarters (and Councillor Germaine lets you
know that the Order helped arrange this find). With this
evidence, Sir Montsegur is easily convicted of treason and
narrowly escapes execution as a heretic.

The people praise you for bringing this {criminal}
to justice.
You successfully prosecute your case against Sir Montsegur,
but the clergy and the common people suspect that
Montsegur is actually innocent, and support for your reign
declines among them.

-------------
Cluster: 1228
-------------

_NODE 8.
_NODE 12280.

-------------
Cluster: 1229
-------------

_NODE 10.
_NODE 12290.
A councillor brings a letter to you.

{My liege, this letter was found in a council room today.
It bears instructions, saying that it is to be opened
and read only by you.}

When you take the letter, you see that the seal is imprinted
with the {eye} symbol of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light.
The letter says that the Order is prepared to offer you one of three
boons, with more aid to follow in the future. You are simply told
to leave a message at the base of a statue in your garden to tell
the Order what you want.

They offer to give your spies secret information about your enemies,
to damage the political position of one of your enemies,
or to influence the guilds in your lands to support you.

Do you want:
[a] information for your spies.
[b] to damage an enemy's political position.
[c] extra support from the guilds.
_NODE 10a.
_NODE 12291.
The head of your spy network comes to you.

{Majesty, I wish to report that our men have had unusual success
over the past two fortnights. We have made great progress in
identifying our enemies' weaknesses and have even discovered a
traitor within our number. You should be happy to hear that my
men are in a much better position to serve you than they were
just two weeks ago.}
_NODE 10b.
_NODE 12292.
Which enemy do you ask the Order to damage?

Do you indicate:
[a] Count Charles of Valois.
[b] King Ramiro of Aragon.
[c] Duke Phillip of Burgundy.
[d] Duke Henri of Anjou.
Do you indicate:
[a] King Edward of Albion.
[b] King Ramiro of Aragon.
[c] Duke Phillip of Burgundy.
[d] Duke Henri of Anjou.
Do you indicate:
[a] Count Charles of Valois.
[b] King Edward of Albion.
[c] Duke Phillip of Burgundy.
[d] Duke Henri of Anjou.
Do you indicate:
[a] Count Charles of Valois.
[b] King Ramiro of Aragon.
[c] King Edward of Albion.
[d] Duke Henri of Anjou.
Do you indicate:
[a] Count Charles of Valois.
[b] King Ramiro of Aragon.
[c] Duke Phillip of Burgundy.
[d] King Edward of Albion.
_NODE 10ba.
_NODE 12293.
A councillor brings news to the court.

{My liege, good news. Count Charles of Valois is suffering from
political problems on many fronts. The guilds are refusing to
cooperate with him, neutral rulers have spoken out against him,
and even the clergy have been heard to question his suitability
as a king of Bretagne.

{This disfavor with Valois reduces the competition you face
in your claim to the throne.}
_NODE 10bb.
_NODE 12294.
A councillor brings news to the court.

{My liege, good news. King Ramiro of Aragon is suffering
from political problems on many fronts. The guilds are refusing to
cooperate with him, neutral rulers have spoken out against him,
and even the clergy have been heard to question his suitability
as a king of Bretagne. This disfavor reduces the competition you
face in your claim to the throne.}
_NODE 10bc.
_NODE 12295.
A councillor brings news to the court.

{My liege, good news. Duke Phillip of Burgundy is suffering from
political problems on many fronts. The guilds are refusing to
cooperate with him, neutral rulers have spoken out against him,
and even the clergy have been heard to question his suitability
as a king of Bretagne. Burgundy's disfavor reduces the competition
for the throne.}
_NODE 10bd.
_NODE 12296.
A councillor brings news to the court.

{My liege, good news. Duke Henri of Anjou is suffering from problems
on many fronts. The guilds are refusing to cooperate with him,
neutral rulers have spoken out against him, and even the clergy have
been heard to question his suitability as a king of Bretagne.
It is said that his dear mother is having quite a fit.}
_NODE 10be.
_NODE 12297.
A councillor brings news to the court.

{My liege, good news. King Edward of Albion is sorely
troubled. The guilds are refusing to cooperate with him, neutral
rulers have spoken out against him, and even the clergy have been
heard to question his suitability as a king of Bretagne. Albion's
disgrace reduces the competition you face in your claim to the throne.}
_NODE 10c.
_NODE 12298.
One of your councillors brings good news: the stonemasons' guild
has offered more generous terms for work that you may need.
More good news: a councillor reports that the armorers' guild
has reduced the interest it will charge on loans to you,
as a means of helping you in your goal to become king of Bretagne.
A councillor reports that the miners' guild has voluntarily
increased its standard work-day for projects under your
orders, as a goodwill gesture.
The merchants' guild has offered to make special arrangements
to help you transport goods and people throughout your lands.
They hope that this gesture will be remembered when you become
king of Bretagne.

-------------
Cluster: 1230
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE 12300.
You send word to the bishop that you wish a private
conference with him.
The bishop arrives at your court and, after some political
niceties, comes to your private council chamber.
There you tell him what you know of this {Ancient Oriental
Order of Light}.

{There are only two actions that a good Christian ruler who
would be king of all Bretagne can undertake,} says the
bishop.

{If your resolve is strong and your spirit daring, you may attempt
to infiltrate this Order and report all that you find to me.
If you are worried for the safety of body and soul in the
company of these evil conspirators, then swear that you shall have
nothing more to do with anyone in this order.}

Do you:
[a] swear never to have anything to do with the Order.
[b] vow to infiltrate the Order.
_NODE 11a.
_NODE 12301.
The bishop blesses you, then asks you to kneel and swear upon the
sliver of the True Cross that he carries that you will
have nothing more to do with the Ancient Oriental Order of Light.

When that is done, he says, {Your first step, naturally, must be
to imprison this Councillor Germaine. Agreed?}

Do you:
[a] back off your pledge.
[b] imprison your councillor.
_NODE 11aa.
_NODE 12302.
{Majesty,} says the bishop, surprised, {breaking a holy vow
is not an action befitting a just ruler.}

Do you:
[a] imprison Councillor Germaine.
[b] refuse the bishop's command.
_NODE 11aab.
_NODE 12303.
With hardly another word, the bishop leaves your chamber and
your castle.

Word soon spreads through the clergy that you have broken an oath
made on a sliver of the True Cross, and naturally they are
outspoken against you.
Time has passed since the Pope publicly denounced you as a holy
oathbreaker. The clergy have done everything they can to convince the
people of your deceptive nature, and the people have begun to believe
them.

The clergy say that if you cannot be trusted to fulfill a holy vow,
you cannot be trusted to fulfill your just duties as king.

Do you:
[a] call for the bishop and promise to fulfill your vow.
[b] carry on with other concerns.
The bishop returns, has you swear once more, and
demands that you imprison Councillor Germaine.
Two more fortnights have passed.

Discontent continues to grow among your people.
_NODE 11ab.
_NODE 12304.
You imprison Councillor Germaine, and the bishop sees to it
that no one questions the decision.

The Order apparently learns of the bishop's
visit, and they do not contact you again.
_NODE 11b.
_NODE 12305.
{A daring and virtuous decision, Majesty.

{Have Councillor Germaine arrange for you to learn more
of this Order.}

With that, the bishop blesses you and draws the meeting to a close.
He spends the rest of his visit consulting with the local clergy.

How long do you wait before talking with Councillor Germaine about
joining the Order?
[a] 15 days.
[b] 30 days.
[c] 45 days.
[d] 60 days.
Apparently, Councillor Germaine suspected that something
was amiss, because he took his valuables and fled in the
night.

Protective of their secrecy, the Order makes no further attempts
to contact you.

-------------
Cluster: 1231
-------------

_NODE 12.
_NODE 12310.
You arrange to speak with Councillor Germaine in private. You tell
him that you wish to learn more about the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light.

{My liege, I have already spoken with others in the Order, and
have convinced them that you should be allowed to learn more before
choosing whether to accept their support. As you can see, my
membership in the Order is much to your advantage.

{Thinking that I am on their side, and not realizing how loyal I am to you,
they have agreed that I can reveal certain secrets about their
dealings and beliefs. Once you know these things, you will be
invited to a small and secret meeting.

{Is this to your liking?}

Do you:
[a] agree to Germaine's terms.
[b] insist on meeting the initiates immediately.
_NODE 12a.
_NODE 12311.
That night, Germaine reveals the names of many people who he knows
to be members of the Order, some of whom are members of your enemies'
families or officials in their courts.

He also reveals some of the strange, mystical teachings of the Order.

Do you:
[a] have Germaine imprisoned and take this news to the bishop.
[b] wait until you are admitted to an actual meeting.
_NODE 12aa.
_NODE 12312.
{But, my liege, all this I have done for your benefit,} screams
Germaine as he is dragged off to the dungeon.

You arrange to for the bishop to come and learn what you know.
At last, the bishop arrives. He shows great interest in the list of
members that Germaine gave you.

{My men shall investigate these matters. It shall please the Pope
that a man of your virtue wishes to be king of Bretagne.}
A message arrives from the bishop, saying that his men could find no
evidence about the people who Germaine named that would link them to the Order.
It would seem that you have been tricked. No one in the Order
attempts to contact you in the future.
_NODE 12ab.
_NODE 12313.
Councillor Germaine meets with you privately, and says,

{My liege, I have told other initiates in the Order that you are
making great progress in understanding their metaphysical
doctrines, and that you are eager to join. I have arranged to bring
you to a meeting twenty-five days hence.}
During the day, Councillor Germaine reminds you that you are
to attend a meeting of the Order later that night. He tells you that the
meeting will take place in a certain abandoned mill some five miles from
your keep. He adds that he has sworn to the others not to tell you
the precise location of the meeting.

{My liege, I believe I have them fully convinced that I am more
loyal to them than I am to you.}

Do you:
[a] have guards arrest those found in the mill.
[b] attend the meeting.
_NODE 12aba.
_NODE 12314.
Your men capture almost a dozen members of the Order, as well
as Councillor Germaine. Only time will tell the true value
of these prisoners.
Under duress, only one of your captives from the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light will give details of the Order, but his
words are enough to convict many initiates in various lands,
including a few in your service. Unfortunately, he also says
that there are many more initiates who he does not know, and that
they wield enough power to make life difficult for you.
Somehow, someone must have gotten wind of your order,
because Councillor Germaine disappears without a trace, and no
one shows up at the mill that night.

Careful about their secrecy, the initiates of the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light never contact you again.
_NODE 12abb.
_NODE 12315.
That night, you and Councillor Germaine slip out of the castle
and ride to the mill.

The evening starts with a strange ritual during which the
participants wear masks of cloth. When that is over, however, they
remove their masks and show you great honor. They are obviously
excited about having a man of your power and prestige among them,
and they are rather free about naming people from other lands who
are also initiates.

In time, the meeting is called off, and the initiates scatter into
the night. You and Councillor Germaine head back to your castle.

Do you:
[a] report what you now know to the bishop.
[b] wait until you learn more.
_NODE 12abba.
_NODE 12316.
You send a message with what you know about the Order to the bishop.
A councillor brings a message from the bishop into into your court.
It directs you to arrest several people on suspicion of heresy,
Councillor Germaine among them.

Your men capture some of these suspects, including Councillor
Germaine, but others escape. The bishop shall see to it that
canonical trials are arranged as soon as possible.
The trials of the initiates in the Ancient Oriental Order
of Light are swift and sure. Unfortunately, many of the initiates
were unknown, or escaped your men. You hope the damage that these
men can do to your reign is limited.

-------------
Cluster: 1232
-------------

_NODE 12b.
_NODE 12320.
{Very well, my liege. It shall be arranged.}
A councillor enters your court, looking concerned.

{Majesty, I bring news that I do not understand. Councillor
Germaine was not found in his chambers this morning, and his
valuables are missing. We suspected kidnaping or other foul play,
but there is no sign of a struggle. We found nothing unusual,
except for this sealed letter, bearing your name and a strange
'eye' sigil in the wax.}

You take and read the letter, which says,

{Majesty, I have come to doubt your motives for meeting with the
Ancient Oriental Order of Light. I am afraid that all of the work
that I had done to unite your power and ours to a common end has
come to naught. You shall not hear from us again.}

-------------
Cluster: 1233
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE 12330.
A confused councillor brings an anonymous letter to you.
It bears the now familiar sigil of the eye on its seal.

The letter reads, {Majesty, the High Council of the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light has determined that we are to consider
giving you our full and total support in your attempt to gain
the throne of all Bretagne. No more will our services be limited
to petty displays. Come to the abandoned mill five miles northwest
of your castle at midnight thirty nights hence. There we shall
determine whether you are indeed to gain our support.

{If you are not deemed worthy, fear not, for no harm shall come to
you, and you shall still be counted as an ally among us.}

Do you:
[a] plan to attend the meeting.
[b] turn against the Order and have your men capture those who
attend the meeting.
[c] ignore the invitation.
_NODE 13a.
_NODE 12331.
Tonight you are to meet with the Ancient Oriental Order of Light.
Late at night, you slip out of the castle and ride to an abandoned
mill five miles away.

At the mill, you find a strange gathering of masked men. You are
given a mask, then led through a strange ritual with a mystical,
Arabic feel to it. When the ceremony is over, the participants
unmask themselves, and an old man with a long white beard strides up
to you.

{You who would be king of Bretagne, and would enjoy the support of
our enlightened Order, we have judged your strengths, your weaknesses,
and your actions. Now we ask but one more thing of you.

{Why was Man created?}

Do you answer:
[a] to worship God and bring Him pleasure.
[b] humanity created itself as worms create
themselves from old cheese.
[c] so Man could be happy.
[d] the Devil created Man to have something to torment.
[e] why not?
_NODE 13aa.
_NODE 12332.
_NODE 13ab.
_NODE 12333.
_NODE 13ac.
_NODE 12334.
_NODE 13ad.
_NODE 12335.
_NODE 13ae.
_NODE 12336.
The old man stares into your eyes for a moment and then
screams, {Cheat! Swindler! Charlatan! Your spy, Etienne the
Swift, bore those words to you! How dare you pretend to have
wisdom that is not yours!}

The old man raises one arm and makes a gesture, and the other
initiates close in on you, overwhelm you, and hurl you out the
door of the mill. As you flee on your horse, you see behind you
that the others are scattering into the night.

Upon your return to the castle, you hear that Councillor
Germaine has disappeared, apparently of his own accord,
as there are no signs of struggle in his empty room.

Do you:
[a] report what you know to the bishop.
[b] leave well enough alone.
_NODE 13b.
_NODE 12337.
Your men capture several of the initiates, but many others
escape.

Your men also apprehend Councillor Germaine before
he can escape with damaging information about you.

The bishop will be happy to hear of these events.
Under questioning, you have learned much about the Order and
its initiates. The bishop visits you personally to congratulate
you on this blow against heresy. With many of the initiates
still at large, however, you hope that they do not have the
power to do serious harm to you.
The initiates must have heard word of your betrayal,
for no one comes to the mill that night.

Furthermore, Councillor Germaine managed to escape
under cover of darkness.

You report what you know to the bishop, though it is not much.
The bishop thanks you for coming forward about the Order,
though he seems suspicious about your former cooperation with
them.
_NODE 13c.
_NODE 12338.
That night, Councillor Germaine escapes under cover
of darkness.

You never hear from the Order again.
_NODE 13aea.
_NODE 12339.
That night, Councillor Germaine escapes under cover
of darkness.

Your men capture Councillor Germaine before he
can escape justice.

You send word to the bishop of what you have found.
In the last few days, your soldiers have sought the men whose faces you
recognized at the meeting, but they have had no luck in apprehending
them.

The bishop comes to visit you personally. He takes great interest
in your news of this Order, though he is suspicious of your
involvement in it. Nevertheless, he thanks you for the information.

You hope that the Order is not powerful enough to wreak vengeance
against you.

-------------
Cluster: 1234
-------------

_NODE 14.
_NODE 12340.
_NODE 14a.
_NODE 12341.
The old man looks deep into your eyes, and then a smile comes to his
face.

{My fellow initiates,} he proclaims, {we have in our midst the King
of all Bretagne!}

The initiates all fall to one knee and, in unison, they say, {All
Hail the King of Bretagne!}

The old man produces a strange crown that bears the {eye} symbol from a
large bag, and crowns you in a simple ceremony. He explains that the
entire Order now considers you the rightful King of Bretagne, and
shall strive to make it so in the minds of all.

{For your Majesty's safety, we shall not meet in person again,
but rest assured that we shall be supporting you secretly.}

Back in your castle, you wonder how much these people can
truly help you.
Word comes that the guilds are proving to be more supportive of your
reign, and more willing to negotiate generously with you. They bring
you gifts of gold, iron, grain, and timber as proof of their
good intentions.
Your head spy reports:

{Majesty, we have received a great deal of information of late. We
have discovered military and diplomatic weaknesses of your enemies
that we can certainly exploit.

{If this continues, our victory is certain!}
One of your councillors speaks with you:

{Majesty, like a great sea breeze, the winds of our fortune have
changed. People now speak with certainty of the day when we rule
Bretagne and transform it into the greatest power Europe has seen
since the days of Charlemagne. It is wonderful.}
_NODE 14b.
_NODE 12342.
The old man looks deeply into your eyes, then smiles.

{Very good, your Majesty.}

{In the name of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light, I hereby pledge
our service to you. May our aid help your rule extend through all
of Bretagne.}

He and the other initiates fall to one knee and the old man says,

{You must go now, for being found with us may damage your
reputation in the eyes of the closed-minded. Even though we cannot
risk meeting with you again in person, know that we are working for
your benefit, secretly.}

Back at your castle, you wonder just how much these strange people
may be able to help you.
Word comes that the guilds are proving to be more supportive of your
reign, and more willing to negotiate generously with you.
Your chief spy reports:

{Majesty, we have received a great deal of information of late. We
have discovered military and diplomatic weaknesses of your enemies
that we can certainly exploit.

{If this continues, our victory is certain!}
_NODE 14c.
_NODE 12343.
The old man looks into your eyes, then smiles a conspiratorial smile.

{Excellent, my liege.

{In the name of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light, I pledge our
support to you. While we cannot risk meeting with you in person
again, know that we will be helping you in our own secret ways.}

The initiates rejoice as they lead you out of the mill and watch
you ride off. Back at your castle, you wonder what these strange
people may be able to do for you.
A councillor comes to report that Councillor Germaine has
apparently fled in the middle of the night, leaving only a
sealed letter addressed to you.

The letter reads, {I am sorry, my liege, but the Order
has seen fit to look elsewhere for a more enlightened
and cooperative ruler.

{I wish you well in your endeavors, but we shall not be
in contact with you again.}
It has been forty days since your meeting with the
Ancient Oriental Order of Light, and nothing has come
of it.

You are beginning to suspect that you have been tricked.

-------------
Cluster: 1235
-------------

_NODE 3b.
_NODE 12350.
Sometime near midnight, as the first quarter moon has just set,
someone slips into the garden. The dark, cloaked figure makes its
way among the shrubs and fountains to you.

{Greetings, king. By the presence of your guards, I see you do
not trust me. I hope that you trust your guards, for they shall hear
what few men know.

{Your spy, Etienne, survived long enough to tell you
about our secret Order, so I may as well tell you more
and explain how we can work together.}

Do you:
[a] scoff at his impertinence.
[b] ask for proof of the Order's power.
[c] ask what the Order wants from you.
[d] order your guards to capture him.
_NODE 3bb.
_NODE 12351.
{Proof, you wish? Very well, you shall have it.
Fortunately, I come prepared for such skepticism.
Come closer and look at the bauble I carry in my pocket.}

Jerome reaches into a pocket and pulls out a ring that you
recognize to be that of
Duke Henri of Anjou.

{Poor Henri does not know it yet,
but he is wearing a worthless replica of this ring on his finger.
If we can steal a ring from a duke's finger,
Count Charles of Valois.

{Poor Charles does not know it yet,
but he is wearing a worthless replica of this ring on his finger.
If we can steal a ring from a count's finger,
you can well imagine what else we could do.

{Let me tell you how your forces and mine can
cooperate for the betterment of us both.}

Do you:
[a] ask what the Order wants from you.
[b] scoff at Jerome's impertinence.
[c] order your guards to capture him.
_NODE 3bc.
_NODE 12352.
{We of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light seek greater
things than mere power, but if we were to have a king who
counted on us as an ally, it would make our enlightened quests
easier to conduct.
We want you to be king of all Bretagne, provided that you can
help our cause.

{For now, all you need do is
oust a certain councillor from your court, the
one named Germaine.
He is secretly an initiate of our Order. He is attempting to gain
control of the Order, to use it for his own ambitious ends. He has no
chance to succeed, though his presence in your court gives him
dangerous sway among certain other initiates.

{If you oust him, our Order will be unified and fully behind you.
{First, you must release unharmed the courier, Jerome, who
brought you my message.

{Then you must
oust a certain councillor from your court, the
one named Germaine. He is secretly an initiate of our Order.
He is trying to take control of it and use us to further
his own ambitious ends. He has no chance to succeed, though his
presence in your court gives him dangerous sway among certain
other initiates.
Then we shall be in a position to aid you in your goals.}

Do you:
[a] agree to his terms.
[b] pretend to agree to his terms.
[c] scoff at him.
[d] have your guards capture him.
_NODE 12abbb.
_NODE 12353.
A councillor comes to your court with strange news.

{My liege, Councillor Germaine left in the middle of the night
with no word to anyone. We would suspect foul play, but there were
no signs of a struggle. Apparently, he left this letter, sealed
and addressed to you.}

The letter reads, {My liege, please excuse my rudeness in not
bidding you farewell, but I believe it may be safer for me
away from your court.}

You shall never hear from the Order again.

Do you:
[a] send word of what you know to the bishop.
[b] tell the bishop you know nothing of value.
_NODE 12abbba.
_NODE 12354.
The bishop reports that he is able to use the information you
provided about the Ancient Oriental Order of Light to capture a
handful of heretics, and he thanks you for your service.

You hope that any revenge the Order can exact will be small.
_NODE 12abbbb.
_NODE n12355.
You hear nothing more of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light.

-------------
Cluster: 1750
-------------

_NODE RANDOM P1.
Your last harvest yields a surplus! More grain is added to your
stock.
_NODE RANDOM P2.
Elvis the Troubadour is not really dead. People rejoice!
_NODE RANDOM P3.
The Pope discovers that you're a long lost descendant of St.
Timothy. Your prestige increases with the Pope.
_NODE RANDOM P4.
A treasure is found in the Sierra Padre mountains. Your treasury
is the chief beneficiary.
_NODE RANDOM P5.
Your jester finally learns some new jokes. People celebrate!
_NODE RANDOM P6.
Your cook's pet goose lays golden eggs!
_NODE RANDOM P7.
Some iron that was sent to the bottom of a lake by a saboteur has
been recovered. Your stocks increase!
_NODE RANDOM P8.
A beaver dam breaks, sending extra logs to your foresters. Timber
stocks increase!
_NODE RANDOM P9.
Your new royal fashion statement is a success. Everyone wants to be
your friend. Relations with other factions improve!
_NODE RANDOM P10.
The kingdom's bakers realize that a dozen is {twelve}, not {thirteen}.
You pick up surplus foodstuffs!

-------------
Cluster: 1751
-------------

_NODE RANDOM P11.
Hideous statuary toppled and shattered in a wind storm. You salvage
it and add to your iron stocks!
_NODE RANDOM P12.
A forest mysteriously grows in a remote vale. You add to your timber
stocks.
_NODE RANDOM P13.
You give a speech on the economy: {Read my lips, someone's gotta
pay taxes.}

You collect 2,000 marks (2 Gold) in extra taxes.
_NODE RANDOM P14.
Bureaucrats learn how to use abacuses imported from the Orient.
Productivity doubles!
_NODE RANDOM P15.
The legislative assembly is flooded. Politicians are exposed to
the real world for the first time! Efficiency improves!
_NODE RANDOM P16.
You discover ways to make more comfortable army boots. Your army's
effectiveness improves!
_NODE RANDOM P17.
Your knights win a tournament at Wimbledon. You win a small cash
prize.
_NODE RANDOM P18.
Your army finally gets a decent cook. Archers and infantry sign up
enthusiastically!
_NODE RANDOM P19.
The Fifth Estate publishes an expose on your misdeeds. People never
believe the press anymore. Your popularity increases!
_NODE RANDOM P20.
An eccentric merchant leaves his fortune to his cats.
Your newly passed surtax on cats brings an extra 2,000 marks.

-------------
Cluster: 1753
-------------

_NODE RANDOM N1.
A wandering merchant is willing to trade you two Grain for one
Gold.

Do you:
[a] agree.
[b] refuse.
{Sorry, can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
Your food supply is increased.
You pass over an opportunity to make a profit.
_NODE RANDOM N2.
A dying count is willing to give you the right to fell timber in
his forest, if you'll donate 2,000 marks (2 Gold) to his favorite
nunnery.

Do you:
[a] agree.
[b] refuse.
{Sorry, can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
Your timber supply is increased.
You pass over an opportunity to make a profit.
_NODE RANDOM N3.
Two units of mercenary archers offer their services to you, if you
pay them 1,000 marks (1 Gold).

Do you:
[a] hire them.
[b] refuse.
{Sorry, you can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
You hire two units of archers.
You pass over an opportunity to add reinforcements.
_NODE RANDOM N4.
A professor from the Academy offers his services to you for 5,000
marks (5 Gold).

Do you:
[a] hire him to improve your administration.
[b] hire him to lecture your politicians.
[c] hire him for military advice.
[d] ignore his offer.
{Sorry, can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
Your administration improves.
{Sorry, can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
Your diplomats actually improve.
{Sorry, can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
His advice is quite useful.
The professor nods, and leaves.
_NODE RANDOM N5.
Some rowdy infantry return to duty. The people are not glad to see
them return.
_NODE RANDOM N6.
Old carpenters retire. New carpenters work for less. More gold stays
in your treasury!
_NODE RANDOM N7.
The royal nutritionist says that he knows a way to feed
your troops wood.

Unfortunately, you have no timber!
He is found dead shortly after the troops are fed, but
at least you save yourself some of your grain.
_NODE RANDOM N8.
A local monastery names you {Ruler of the Year}. No one else cares.
_NODE RANDOM N9.
A peasant bitten by a mad dog sues you, but dies before the case
can come to court. You discover the dog wasn't mad, just upset.
_NODE RANDOM N10.
A very talkative bishop gets laryngitis. You are not disappointed.

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1754
-------------

_NODE RANDOM N11.
A ferry crossing the river Seine burns down, but everyone uses the
bridge, so it's not a major loss.
_NODE RANDOM N12.
After all these years, you finally beat the bishop in a game of
chess!
_NODE RANDOM N13.
After all these years, you finally beat the bishop in a game of
chess!
_NODE RANDOM N14.
Brigands take your annoying cousin Hubert hostage. You feel sorry
for them.
_NODE RANDOM N15.
A representative of the troubadour's guild says the guild will make
fun of you unless you pay them 1,000 marks.

Do you:
[a] agree to pay.
[b] refuse.
You don't have the funds. You become the object of
satire and ridicule.
You are poorer, but no less unpopular, for the
experience.
You become the object of satire and ridicule.
_NODE RANDOM N16.
Your army is getting bored.
An argument breaks out between your archers and your infantry.
A unit of archers is killed!
_NODE RANDOM N17.
Rumors that you have no gold spread about Europe. Your
subjects are embarassed.
Your investments in Venetian blinds do not pay off. You
lose 1,000 marks (1 Gold).
_NODE RANDOM N18.
You receive word that one of your enemies found a treasure in an
abandoned cave.
_NODE RANDOM N19.
Rumors that you have no gold spread about Europe. Your
subjects are embarassed.
Annoying relatives visit you. You are forced to give them
1,000 marks to go away.
_NODE RANDOM N20.
Rumors that you have no infantry spread about Europe. Your
subjects are embarassed.
A unit of your infantry gets a better offer from one of your
enemies and defects!

-------------
Cluster: 1756
-------------

_NODE RANDOM D1.
Rumors that you have no cavalry spread throughout Europe. Your
subjects are embarassed.
Some of your cavalry's horses are bitten to death by horseflies!
_NODE RANDOM D2.
One of your counsellors ridicules {the Pope's silly headdress.}
His Holiness is NOT amused.
_NODE RANDOM D3.
Your Lord Treasurer is an embezzler... hey, what happened to your
treasury?!
_NODE RANDOM D4.
Someone lit a campfire close to your timber stocks. Oops!
_NODE RANDOM D5.
Someone spread vicious rumors about you. And the people BELIEVED
them?
_NODE RANDOM D6.
More politicians enter your diplomatic service. Your political rating
suffers.
_NODE RANDOM D7.
Your iron stocks have suffered from rust!
_NODE RANDOM D8.
One of your top administrators dies in a carriage
accident. A good replacement is hard to find these days.
_NODE RANDOM D9.
Elvis the Troubadour plays for every contender for the Bretagnese
throne except you! Everyone else is happy.
_NODE RANDOM D10.
Your ship came in! Unfortunately, you were loading your grain
reserves onto it, and it sank!

-------------
Cluster: 1757
-------------

_NODE RANDOM D11.
Your army tests confusing new manuevers. {But they work for the
Swiss!} Your military rating goes down.
_NODE RANDOM D12
Your last party was a complete disaster! Everyone is too embarassed
to be seen associating with you. Relations plummet!

-------------
Cluster: 1830
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n18300.
One of your councillors reports on the state of the kingdom.

{Majesty, the people are discontented. I have met with assorted leaders,
church, state, and the military, and have received council on how to
restore your lands to their usual state of bliss.

{First, the chapel of the great cathedral of St. Simone was damaged in
a recent siege. Repairing the cathedral will please the Church.

{Second, the peasants have had little cheer of late. One of the mayors
suggested that we hold a festival to bring them cheer.

{Finally, the army has been very busy of late. Perhaps if we gave
them a furlough, a chance to rest and enjoy themselves, morale would improve.}

Do you:
[a] renovate the cathedral.
[b] throw a festival.
[c] furlough troops.
[d] ignore the discontent.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE n18301.
{The Cathedral was badly damaged, Your Majesty. I shall get an estimate
of what funds will be necessary. It may take time.}
Your councillor returns with an estimate of the damage to the
Cathedral of St. Simone.

{Majesty, the Cathedral will require at least 1,000 marks (1 Gold)
to repair, perhaps more.
This repair also provides us with the opportunity to improve on the original
cathedral, if you are willing to authorize the expense.}

How much do you spend?
[a] 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[c] 3000 marks (3 Gold).
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE n18302.
{Very good. I will meet with the stonemasons at once.}
{Unfortunately, my liege, our treasury cannot support
such an expense.}

Do you:
[a] furlough troops.
[b] dismiss the problem from your concerns.
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE n18303.
{Very good. I will meet with the stonemasons at once.}
{Unfortunately, Majesty, our treasury is not so rich.}

Do you:
[a] spend 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] furlough troops.
[c] stop worrying yourself over your subjects' happiness.
_NODE 1ac.
_NODE n18304.
{I am certain that we will get excellent results, my liege!}
{A generous gesture, Majesty, but one that the treasury
cannot support.}

Do you:
[a] spend 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] spend 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[c] furlough troops.
[d] abandon this plan.
_NODE 2.
_NODE n18305.
Your councillor returns from the stonemasons' guild with a sad look
on his face.

{Majesty, the stonemasons dispute our estimate of the cost of
repairing the cathedral of St. Simone. They claim it will cost at
least 2,000 marks more than we estimated.

{Majesty, the stonemasons have become lazy and greedy of late. 'Tis
no wonder that the stonework is so much better now on Teutonic castles,
even though Bretagnese castles were once the envy of Europe!

{Still, the stonemasons' guild is powerful. In these delicate
times, a confrontation may not be prudent.}

Do you:
[a] pay the sum (2 Gold).
[b] offer half the sum (1 Gold).
[c] threaten the Guild with force.
[d] imprison Guild leaders, and force them to complete work.
_NODE2a.
_NODE n18306.
{The work will begin at once. I promise.}
{Majesty, remember that promise to reduce taxes on the
barons? I fear that they have come back to haunt us. Our
treasury is not very full.}

Do you:
[a] offer half the sum (1 Gold).
[b] threaten the Guild with force.
[c] imprison Guild leaders, and force them to complete work.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE n18307.
Your councillor returns from the stonemasons' guild.

{Majesty, I have done my best to persuade the Guild.

{They have decided that our offer is fair, and they have
already begun the repairs on St. Simone.}
{They scoffed at our offer, and refuse to work for us
on this project.}

Do you:
[a] pay the requested sum (2 Gold).
[b] threaten the Guild with force.
[c] use force.
_NODE 2ba.
_NODE n18308.
_Masons think the king's a wimp.
After a brief discussion with the masons' guildmaster, your
councillor returns.

{Majesty, the stonemasons have agreed to finish the work, as
promised. They did seem a trifle insolent.}
{We cannot afford this sum, my liege!}

Do you:
[a] threaten the Guild with force.
[b] imprison Guild leaders, and force them to complete work.
I shall tell them at once.
I shall tell them at once.
_NODE 2baa or 2bb.
_NODE n18309.
The air is thick with tension. You and the stonemasons wait to see
who will be the first to back down.

{Good news, my liege! The Guild has agreed to finish the
cathedral for the original price!}
{Bad news, Majesty. The Guild members continue to defy us.}

Do you:
[a] imprison the Guild leaders.
[b] let the cathedral remain unfinished.

-------------
Cluster: 1831
-------------

_NODE 2baaa.
_NODE n18310.
You await the messenger nervously.
Will the stonemasons relent under
the threat of imprisonment? Your messenger arrives...

{Majesty, your threat has worked! The masons' guild will
complete the cathedral without further cost!}
{Majesty, I regret to say the masons will risk imprisonment
rather than bend to you in this matter.}

Do you:
[a] pay the full original amount requested.
[b] let the cathedral fall apart, and forget about it.
_node 2baba.
_NODE n18311.
Your councillor returns from the Guild.

{They promise to finish the repairs soon, Majesty.}
{Majesty, we cannot afford this!}

The cathedral remains unfinished.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE n18312.
The Guild considers its options.
A messenger comes from the masons' guild.

{Majesty, the masons did not understand the urgency or
importance of this project. Naturally, we are happy to lend
our services, especially to one who will remember us well.}
{Majesty, we will not bow to threats.
The masons' guild is not accustomed to being treated
in this manner, not even from a king, and will not accept
it.}

Do you:
[a] pay the full amount (2 Gold).
[b] imprison the Guild's leaders.
[c] abandon the restoration.
_NODE 2cb.
_NODE n18313.
A messenger is sent from the masons' guild.

{Majesty, the masons did not understand the urgency or
importance of this project. Naturally, we are happy to lend
our services, especially to one who will remember us well.}
{Majesty, we will not do this work for you unless you pay
us the two thousand marks that were requested.}

Do you:
[a] pay 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] forget about repairing the cathedral.
_NODE 3.
_NODE n18315.
A messenger arrives at your castle. He is wearing the red and gold
livery of Sir Renau, a noble and well-respected knight in your
service.

{Your Majesty,} he begins, {my lord, Sir Renau, bids me to bring
you bad tidings.

{Brigands are terrorizing the peasants and merchants in his lands,
and he dares not attend the unveiling ceremony of the Cathedral
of St. Simone.}
{He further bids me to say that, were he to be provided with a large
contingent of men, he would be able to attend the unveiling
without fear for the safety of his people.}

This news disturbs you, for Sir Renau is held in high regard
by your people, and his presence at the unveiling would improve
the morale of your subjects.

Do you:
[a] provide the soldiers (1 Military).
[b] do without Sir Renau's presence.
_NODE 3a.
_NODE n18316.
{I thank you, and Sir Renau thanks you, for your
generosity, a virtue for which rightful rulers are known.}
A councillor whispers in your ear, {My liege, we have not the
the soldiers to spare.

{I fear we must do without Sir Renau's presence.}

The messenger bows and says, {I shall carry this sad news
back to Sir Renau. I am certain that he wishes the best for your
celebration.}

-------------
Cluster: 1832
-------------

_NODE 4
_NODE n18320.
A councillor comes to you and says:

{Excellent news, my liege. The Cathedral of St. Simone is fully
repaired and is indeed beauteous to behold. The clergy and many
knights and nobles have come for the unveiling.}

You attend the unveiling, and the cathedral is indeed magnificent.
Priests and nobles speak about your generosity and your concern for
the church.

Sir Renau, in brilliant red and gold livery, attends the
ceremony, and the crowd greets him with cheers.

He takes the opportunity to deliver a moving speech about
the great things you have done for your people, and about
the need for all to support you in the struggle to claim what
is rightfully yours.

Sir Renau makes an especially strong impression on the
unmarried women in attendance.
At the end of the day, when you have returned to your court,
a councillor comes to you, looking downcast.

{My liege, the clergy are impressed by your willingness to
repair the cathedral, but the people remain discontented.
We must allow them time to see what a great and
noble ruler you are.}
At the end of the day, when you have returned to your court,
a councillor comes to you.

{My liege, the clergy are impressed by your willingness to
spend your time and wealth on repairing the cathedral.
In addition, the people are happy to have such a generous king.
The spirits of the people have been lifted by your wise actions,
though I must say that many of your councillors were hoping
for a stronger response.}
As the unveiling ceremony concludes, the mighty cheers that
rise up from the assembled crowd assure you that they are
indeed impressed by the ceremony and by your show of
generosity.

As you prepare to leave the ceremony, the bishop approaches
you, smiles, and says, {Do not think that the Pope has not heard
of your generosity toward the Church.}
As you conclude your address to the assembled crowd,
you must pause often to let the wild cheers of your audience
die down.

As you look about you, you see the smiling faces of loyal
subjects: monks, priests, merchants, peasants, artisans,
and soldiers.

Obviously, you have won their hearts.

As you prepare to leave the ceremony, the bishop approaches
you, smiles, and says, {Do not think that the Pope has not heard
of your generosity toward the Church.}
Your soldiers have returned from Sir Renau's lands,
along with a messenger who brings thanks from Sir Renau
for seeing to his needs and allowing him to attend the
the unveiling of the cathedral.
_NODE 5.
_NODE n18325.
The councillor who advised you to repair the cathedral of St.
Simone has finally worked up enough nerve to talk with you.

{Majesty, the unrest in the kingdom is still a problem. Perhaps
we should try something else...}

Do you:
[a] throw a festival.
[b] furlough troops.
[c] throw the councillor into your deepest dungeon.

-------------
Cluster: 1833
-------------

_NODE 11 (1b).
_NODE n18330.
{An excellent decision, my liege. How much do you intend to spend
on the festival?}

Do you spend:
[a] 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[c] 3000 marks (3 Gold).
_NODE 11a.
{A prudent decision, Majesty.}
{A prudent decision. I shall see to it immediately.}

The councillor leaves, but returns in a few minutes and
says, {My liege, bad news brings me back.
The treasury cannot support even that expenditure at
this time.}

Do you:
[a] furlough troops.
[b] give up and let the people grumble.
_NODE 11b.
_NODE n18332.
{Very good, my liege.}
{A noble gesture, my liege, but we do not have enough }
enough gold to make it so.}

Do you:
[a] spend 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] furlough troops.
[c] throw the councillor into your darkest dungeon.
_NODE 11c.
_NODE n18333.
{A most generous decision.
Surely the festival will be one to remember.}
{A generous gesture, my liege, but we do not have enough }
enough gold to make it so.}

Do you:
[a] spend 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] spend 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[c] furlough troops.
[d] let your people suffer.
_NODE 12.
_NODE n18335.
A messenger arrives at your castle. He is wearing the red and gold
livery of Sir Renau, a noble and well-respected knight in your
service.

{Your Majesty,} he begins, {my lord, Sir Renau, bids me to bring
you bad tidings.

{Brigands are terrorizing the peasants and merchants in his lands,
and he dares not attend the festival you are planning. He bade me
further to say that, were he to be provided with a large contingent
of men, he would be happy to attend the festival, as he would not
then fear for the safety of his people.}

This news disturbs you, because Sir Renau is held in high regard
by your people, and his presence at the festival would improve
the morale of your subjects.

Do you:
[a] provide the men (1 Military).
[b] do without Sir Renau's presence at the festival.
_NODE 12a.
_NODE n18336.
{I thank you, and Sir Renau thanks you, for your
generosity, a virtue for which rightful rulers are known.}
A councillor whispers in your ear, {My liege, we have not the
the soldiers to spare.

{I fear we must do without Sir Renau's presence.}

The messenger bows and says, {I shall carry this sad news
back to Sir Renau. I am certain that he wishes the best for
your festival.}

-------------
Cluster: 1834
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE n18340.
A councillor comes to you and says, {My liege,
the preparations for the festival are progressing admirably.
A councillor comes to you and says, {My liege,
I am happy to report that preparations for the festival
are proceeding according to plan.
A councillor comes to you and says, {My liege,
I am delighted to report that the preparations for the
festival are proceeding perfectly, and all those
involved believe that it shall be a glorious spectacle.
{And allow me to remind your Majesty that
the festival will go on as scheduled in but twenty days.}
_NODE 14.
_NODE n18345.
The day of the festival has arrived. With your loyal guard in
their finest dress, you ride to the festivities. Vendors and
troubadours from across the land have come to entertain the
people and to sell them elegant clothes, flashy scarves,
delicious wines, and all manners of enjoyments.

-------------
Cluster: 1835
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE n18350.
While you are sampling some fine food and drink in a pavilion
that has been erected for you near the festival grounds,
an agent from your {intelligence} services comes to you.

{My liege,} he says breathlessly, {we have caught three ruffians
who had intended to sabotage your festival. They were caught with a
poison that they intended to introduce into the ale, and they had lamp
oil with which they planned to start a conflagration.

{This may come as no surprise to you, but we
have strong reason
to believe that they were sent by your sworn enemy, King
Edward of Albion.}
have strong reason
to believe that they were sent by your sworn enemy, Count
Charles of Valois.}
are sure that they were
sent by that vicious schemer, Duke Phillip of Burgundy.}
{My liege, though we have apprehended these men, rumors are still
being spread throughout the festival that cutthroats or saboteurs
are about. These rumors threaten to mar this glorious festival.
The people need to know that you can keep them safe.}

Do you:
[a] execute the ruffians, publicly and immediately.
[b] brand them and send them back to their lord
as a show of confidence.
[c] imprison and question them.
_NODE 15a.
_NODE n18351.
You bring swift justice to the saboteurs, and the crowd
cheers. Their fears are now allayed.
_NODE 15b.
_NODE n18352.
Before the jeering and cheering crowd, you have the
saboteurs branded. Then, bound securely, they are set on a
wagon and carried off toward their homeland.
The crowd is overjoyed to see that their king is graced with
mercy, confidence, and a sense of humor.
Before the jeering and cheering crowd, you have the
saboteurs branded. Then, bound securely, they are set on a
wagon and carried off toward their homeland.
The cheers of the crowd, however, turn into mumbles of
bewilderment, as the saboteurs are allowed to live.
The short speech you give explaining your actions
does little to impress the crowd.
Obviously your royal motives are beyond the understanding
of your people.
_NODE 15c.
_NODE n18353.
The crowd cheers when you present the villains,
but when you take them off to the dungeons, you hear
murmurs of disapproval. Obviously, the people expected an execution,
and they do not understand how much damage you can do to your enemy by
questioning his agents.
_NODE 16.
_NODE n18355.
While sitting in your pavilion near the festival, you hear a commotion.

Stepping outside to investigate, you see smoke rising from the
festival and hear the confused cries of a crowd. One of your
guards is running toward you.
{My liege,} he says, gasping for breath, {saboteurs have struck
the festival. They set fire to a vendor's tent, and
poisoned another vendor's ale with herbs that have made several people
ill.}

You assure the people that there is no more danger. Your men
put out the fire and tend to the ill, but your festival
has been marred.

-------------
Cluster: 1836
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE n18360.
Night falls, and the festival-goers begin to leave. The
people are quiet, and some are frustrated.

A councillor accompanying you says:

{While I thought that this festival was one of the best in
my memory, your Majesty should know that some have been
heard to say that the people were disappointed.
There is talk that the festival raised hopes that were not satisfied,
and perhaps it would have been better if you had never had
the festival.}
Night falls, and many festival-goers begin to leave.
The people are smiling, laughing, and talking happily
among themselves.

A councillor accompanying you says, {While I thought that
this festival was one of the best in my memory, your Majesty
should know that some have been heard to say that they had
hoped for more. Still, there is no denying that the people's
spirits have been lifted.}
A guildmaster of the clothiers guild comes to your pavilion
and compliments you on the incredible success of the festival.
As you are enjoying the compliments, however, you hear yelling
and riotous laughter coming from the festival.

A councillor enters the pavilion and says, {My liege, the
revelers are becoming rowdy. They have enjoyed the festival so
much, they may get carried away.

{The clergy express dismay at the prospect of this celebration
turning bawdy and excessive, but a high-spirited revel may be
exactly what the people need.}

Do you:
[a] allow the festival to run its rowdy course.
[b] have your men cool the situation down.
_NODE 17a.
_NODE n18361.
Soon enough, the revelers have become drunk, boisterous,
and even belligerent.

Fights break out, and the revelers damage
the booths of many vendors.
Your men manage to quell the riot, but not before
many people are hurt and several booths
are damaged. The priests say that a good king would not
have allowed such raucous behavior, and that these excesses have
ruined what would otherwise have been a joyous festival.
The revelers are loud and boisterous, a few fights break out,
and a few businesses suffer some damage at the hands of
drunks, but overall the problems are few and isolated.
Most of the people consider this to be the best festival
in their memory.

The priests, however, make known their disappointment
at seeing a healthy festival turn carnal and profane.
The men you sent to protect Sir Renau's lands return,
along with a messenger who thanks you on Sir Renau's
behalf for your generosity.
_NODE 17b.
_NODE n18362.
The crowd refuses to be quieted, perhaps in part because
your men themselves partook of the wine and revelry.
The revelers are drunk, boisterous, and
belligerent.

Fights break out, and the revelers damage
the booths of several vendors.
Your men eventually put down the riot, but not before
many people are hurt and businesses
damaged. The priests say that a good king would not have allowed
such a raucous celebration, and that these excesses have ruined
what would otherwise have been a joyous festival.
Your men move among the celebrants, quieting the rowdiest,
while allowing others to have their fun. They manage to keep
the peace and prevent the celebration from getting out of
hand.

The bishop lets you know that he is pleased with your handling
of the problem.
The men you sent to protect Sir Renau's lands return,
along with a messenger who thanks you on Sir Renau's
behalf for your generosity.
_NODE 21.
_NODE n18365.
{Very good, my liege. I shall see to it immediately.}

The councillor leaves, but returns within an hour,
saying, {My liege, after consulting with the other councillors
and your generals, we have concluded that you cannot
spare the soldiers at this time.}

Do you:
[a] throw a festival.
[b] have your guards throw the councillor out of your court.
{Very good, my liege. I shall see to it immediately.}

The councillor leaves, but returns within an hour,
saying, {My liege, the furloughed may appreciate some extra
pay to bring home to their homes and families.}

How much do you spend on their {furlough pay}?
[a] nothing.
[b] 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[c] 2000 marks (2 Gold).
_NODE 21a.
_NODE n18366.
{Very prudent, my liege.}
As per your order, troops are now being furloughed,
only a few at a time, so as not to reduce your fighting force
unduly.

-------------
Cluster: 1837
-------------

_NODE 22.
_NODE n18370.
A councillor comes to report on the progress of the
furlough program.

{My liege, I am happy to report that your wise decision to
furlough troops has met with great results.
The troops are glad for the rest,
and their families are delighted to see them back from the
wars.

{The troops are impressed with your generosity,
and have been heard to sing your praises in
the taverns.}
{The troops are grateful to you for their bonus pay, and
their families are glad to see their men so well-treated.}
{Surely this show of generosity will show your people
how fortunate they are to have you as their ruler.}
_NODE 23.
_NODE n18375.
A councillor comes to report on the progress of the furlough
program.

{My liege, I have grave news. It seems that the commoners you employ
in your army are not worthy of your generosity. Many troops are
deserting or staying too long on furlough.
Those still in the field resent the good fortune of those who have
gone home.

{The money given to furloughed troops
may even be exacerbating the problem,
as it compounds the envy of those still serving you
in the field.

{Morale among the troops has fallen to a new low, and the
changes in personnel make it difficult for your captains to
maintain proper discipline and order.}
Do you:
[a] cancel the furlough program.
[b] accelerate the furlough program to appease
disgruntled troops.
[c] use politics to bring order to the furloughs.
[d] hope the problem will solve itself.
Do you:
[a] cancel the furlough program.
[b] use politics to bring order to the furloughs.
[c] hope the problem will solve itself.
_NODE 23a.
_NODE n18376.
{Very good, my liege. The troops shall be returned to the
field.
It is disheartening that the men were not worthy of your generosity.}

You wait for things to return to normal.
A councillor reports that the troops have returned from
furlough and the army is back at full strength.

Your treasurer reports that only half the gold
allotted to the furlough program can be recovered.

Your treasurer reports that the gold allotted to the furlough
program cannot be recovered.

Do you:
[a] hold a festival.
[b] imprison those responsible for this fiasco and turn your attention
to other affairs.
_NODE 23b.
_NODE n18377.
A councillor comes to report on the results of accelerating
the furlough program.

{My liege, I bring happy news, as your wisdom has once again
brought success to our endeavors. More troops are being furloughed,
and the morale and order in the remaining troops has improved
greatly.}
_NODE 23c.
_NODE n18378.
A councillor enters your court to bring news of the furlough
program. You can see by his lively step that he brings good
news.

{My liege, once again your firm hand has brought order
to a difficult problem.

{Your men have seen to it that the furloughs are orderly
and proper, and the morale of the troops has improved.}
A councillor enters your court to bring news of the furlough
program. His pace is somber and slow.

{My liege, your men have had little success in restoring order
to the troops.

(In fact, in many cases, they have proven so incompetent as
to intrude on the authority of the captains, to irritate
the soldiers, and to make the problem even worse.}

Do you:
[a] cancel the furlough program.
[b] accelerate the furlough program to appease
the disgruntled troops.
[c] let the problem solve itself.
[a] cancel the furlough program.
[b] let the problem solve itself.

-------------
Cluster: 1838
-------------

_NODE 24.
_NODE n18380.
A messenger arrives at your castle, wearing the red and gold livery
of Sir Renau, a noble and well-respected knight in your service.

{Your Majesty,} he begins, {my lord, Sir Renau, bids me to bring
you bad tidings.

{Brigands are terrorizing the peasants and merchants in his lands,
and he cannot afford to furlough troops as the other commanders
are doing.

{He humbly requests that you issue a proclamation exempting men
under his command from the furlough, until such time as the
bandits have been captured.}

Do you:
[a] issue the proclamation that Sir Renau requests.
[b] insist that he furlough troops as the other commanders have.
_NODE 24a.
_NODE n18381.
A councillor comes into the court bearing several letters and
looking a bit frantic.

{My liege,} he begins, {I carry here letters from nearly ten
commanders who have heard that Sir Renau is not furloughing his
troops.

{They all request that you exempt their men as well.}

Do you:
[a] grant their requests.
[b] grant the requests only of those with the best reasons.
[c] deny their requests.
[d] deny their requests, and insist that Sir Renau likewise comply.
_NODE 24aa.
_NODE n18382.
A councillor enters your court with bad news.

{Majesty, discontent has grown in the ranks of your commanders.
Some accuse you of playing favorites; the commanders who
avoided sending their soldiers on furlough have more privileges
than they.

{I am glad that the furlough program will end soon.}
_NODE 24ab.
_NODE n18383.
A councillor enters your court with news of the furloughs that
your troops have been enjoying.

{My liege, the commanders
are complying with your orders in regards
to the furlough of their troops.
While those whose requests you refused were at first
disappointed, they generally now agree that your choices were
wise and just, as befits a rightful king.}
A councillor enters your court with news of the furloughs that
your troops have been enjoying.

{My liege, the commanders
are complying with your orders in regards
to the furlough of their troops.
Those whose requests you refused, however, feel that you have
treated them unjustly.
Even some of the lords who made no requests are saying
that the land might fare better under a king with
a better eye for justice.}
_NODE 24ac.
_NODE n18384.
A councillor enters your court with news of the furloughs that
your troops have been enjoying.

{My liege, the lords whose requests you have denied have
accepted your ruling as loyal lords should.
If you could be among your troops, you would see
that they have all heard of your ruling.
"Exaggerated in the retelling, the story of your standing up for "
the lowly foot soldier has spread through your lands, and the
people are happy to have a king who supports them.}

The lords grumble at your unfairness, but nothing comes
of it.
Your people learn of your defense of the soldiers, and
you learn that they greatly appreciate the gesture.
_NODE 24ad.
_NODE n18385.
A councillor enters your court with news of the furloughs that
your troops have been enjoying.

{My liege, the lords accept your hard stance, but the troops
are happy that you have turned down the lords' request.
Exaggerated in the retelling, the story of your standing up for
the lowly foot soldier has spread through your lands, and the
people are happy to have a king who supports them.}

The lords are heard to grumble at what they call your
stubborn stance, but at least the soldiers are
happy that you sided with them.
_NODE 24ab.
_NODE n18386.
Sir Renau's messenger returns to your castle.

{Sir Renau acknowledges your authority to call for a furlough of
his troops, and he says he shall deal with the brigands
as best he can.}
A councillor returns from visiting Sir Renau.

{Majesty, although Sir Renau is complying with your orders, he
believes that you have been unreasonable. He would not say
so in public, of course.

{Sir Renau is held in high regard by his fellow lords,
and many of them are unhappy about the way Sir Renau has been
treated.

{At least the problem seems to have settled itself.}

-------------
Cluster: 1839
-------------

_NODE 25.
_NODE n18390.
A councillor comes to you with the last word on the furloughs
that you have provided to your troops.

{The furlough program is over, Majesty, and the last of the
troops have returned to their stations.
Your forces are back once again to full strength.

{While back home, many soldiers told such tales of glory
and honor that more young men have decided
to join the ranks of your army.
The morale of your troops has improved noticeably}.
{The furlough program is over, Majesty, and the last of the
troops have returned to their stations.
Your forces are back once again to full strength.}
_NODE 31.
_NODE n18395.
A councillor hurries into your court, agitation plainly written on
his face.

{My liege, I came as soon as I heard. Terrible times have come.
The discontent that the people have expressed has worsened,
and some lowly commoners have even said that these
lands might be happier with a different ruler on your throne.

{As of yet, these traitorous malcontents have not yet taken action
nor publically opposed you,
but I worry that, unless you take some action,
these troublemakers will be emboldened to cause grief
to your lands and loyal subjects.}

Do you:
[a] locate and speak with the leaders of this insurrection.
[b] send spies to discredit them.
[c] send spies to locate and imprison them.
[d] use military force to crush them quickly.
[e] take no action.
_NODE 31a.
_NODE n18396.
A councillor comes into your court and says,
{My liege, your men have identified some of the men who
have been outspoken about your rule's supposed failings.}

Three men are brought in under guard; they wear the dress of
artisans, common townsfolk.
Though they are slow to speak and afraid of your wrath,
they eventually relate that the struggles with other kingdoms
have hurt their lands.
Gold that could have been spent to repair roads and bridges
has been used to wage wars,
and many able-bodied men have returned from the wars maimed,
or not returned at all.

Do you:
[a] imprison them.
[b] intimidate them into ceasing their opposition.
[c] offer them 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[d] offer them 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[e] promise them that their future will improve.
_NODE 31ab.
_NODE n18397.
The malcontents vow loyalty, thank you for
sparing them, and promise to cease speaking out against you.
Since your men have already found them once, they can find
these men again, and your threats prevent further problems
among your subjects.
The malcontents vow loyalty, thank you for
sparing them, and promise to cease speaking out
against you.
_NODE 31ac.
_NODE n18398.
Your treasurer whispers to you, {Majesty, you cannot
afford this gesture.}

Do you:
[a] imprison the malcontents.
[b] threaten them.
[c] promise them that their future will improve.
Relief and surprise show plainly on the faces of the
men. They thank you profusely for your generosity, and
assure you that they will never more speak out against
your just and generous rule.
_NODE 31ad.
_NODE n18399.
Your treasurer whispers to you, {Majesty, you cannot
afford this gesture.}

Do you:
[a] spend 1000 marks (1 Gold) to see to their needs.
[b] imprison the malcontents.
[c] threaten them.
[d] promise them that their future will improve.
Relief and surprise show plainly on the faces of the
men. They thank you profusely for your generosity, and
assure you that they will never more speak out against
your just and generous rule.

-------------
Cluster: 1840
-------------

_NODE 31ae.
_NODE n18400.
The leaders of the malcontents take your speech to heart
and are visibly relieved not to be threatened or imprisoned.
They vow loyalty, and assure you that they shall bring
the spirit of your words back to those who have opposed you.
Though they are too frightened to speak out, you can tell
that these men are not impressed by your words.

Do you:
[a] imprison them.
[b] threaten them.
[c] offer 1000 marks (1 Gold) to see to their needs.
[d] offer 2000 marks (2 Gold).
_NODE 31b.
_NODE n18401.
One of the spies who was seeking out malcontents visits your
court.

{My liege, I bring good news. My men have located those
who have spoken out against your just rule.
With judicious use of threats, lies, and silver, we have
thwarted the budding insurrection with no one becoming
the wiser.

You can once again rely on the loyalty of your subjects.}
One of the spies who was seeking out malcontents visits your
court.

{My liege, I bring news both good and bad. My men have located
those who speak out most loudly against your rightful rule,
but we have found them to be far too determined
to be thwarted without using more force than we have been
authorized to apply.}

Do you:
[a] offer to speak with the leaders of this insurrection.
[b] send spies to locate and imprison the leaders.
[c] use military force to crush them.
[d] hope that the problem goes away.
_NODE 31d.
_NODE n18402.
A councillor comes into your court.

{My liege, I bring news about those who have, of late,
criticized your rightful rule. Your men have made quick work
of the poorly armed trouble-makers.

{As is to be expected in such maneuvers, some loyal civilians
were unfortunately injured and slain. And, of course, many of
the trouble-makers leave widows and children who now face
poverty and peril. But we sure showed them, my liege!}

Do you:
[a] make a public proclamation to explain this act to your
people.
[b] let the issue pass.
A distressed councillor comes into your court.

{My liege, terrible news. Your soldiers have killed many
malcontents, but the assault caused a riot, and your men were
forced to retreat.

{Word of this attack will no doubt spread and make the
people even more unhappy with your rule.}
_NODE 31da.
_NODE n18403.
Your proclamation calms the people and assures them that the
violence was necessary, and that it is over. Though you have
not won their love, you have at least prevented the
dissatisfaction from growing.

Perhaps only time can improve your image in the eyes of your
people.
The people cheer at your proclamation, but later your
councillors let you know that dissension is still spreading
through your people.
_NODE 32.
_NODE n18405.
The head of your {intelligence} services comes into
your court,
followed by several guards who are escorting a rag-tag
band of men.

{My liege, these are the men responsible for spreading
dissatisfaction with your rule, darkening the good hearts
of your loyal subjects.

{As you have ordered, they will now be taken to the
dungeon, and we shall see what becomes of their petty
opposition to your just a rightful rule.}
Your incompetent spies haul some peasants and
townsfolk before you, but they are not leaders
of a rebellion by any stretch of the imagination.
You will need a different approach to deal with those
who speak out against you, one that does not rely on your
spies.

Do you:
[a] let it be known that you would speak with the leaders of
this insurrection.
[b] use military force to crush the malcontents before they
gain more support.
[c] hope the problem goes away.
_NODE 32a.
_NODE n18406.
A councillor enters the court, smiling broadly.

{Excellent news, my lord.

{It seems that the malcontents who, just three weeks
ago, were spreading ill words about your rule have lost
their spirit. Deprived of their leaders and afraid of more
violent reprisals, the dissenters have quieted their
talk, and while a small group still harbors resentment
toward you, their opposition no longer spreads through the
populace.}
A councillor enters the court, frowning.

{My liege, it seems that imprisoning the malcontents has not
had its intended effect. While opposition to you is quieter,
it is spreading through the populace.}

-------------
Cluster: 1841
-------------

_NODE 33.
_NODE n18410.
A councillor enters the court, wringing his hands in worry.

{M-my liege,} he begins, {opposition to you has spread through
your lands, and it shows little sign of abating on its
own.

{We councillors are of the opinion that something must be done
about this rising tide of unjust opposition to you rule.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to regain support of your populace through
military and political force.
[b] ride out the storm and try not to make it worse.
_NODE 33a.
_NODE n18411.
A councillor reports that your men have identified
many of the insurrectionists' leaders and imprisoned
or intimidated them.
A councillor reports that an armed mob of people
opposed to your rule has been routed by your soldiers.
A councillor reports that many civilians loyal to you
have taken to burning the businesses of those who
oppose you.
A councillor comes into your court, wearing a weary
but happy expression on his face.

{Majesty, the insurrection has been put down.
No one is heard to speak out against you,
and all organized resistance to you has been crushed.
While you may not have earned the love of the people,
you have at least regained control over them.}
A councillor reports that your men have identified
a fair number of the insurrectionists' leaders and imprisoned
or intimidated them.
A councillor reports that an armed mob of people
opposed to your rule has been routed by your soldiers,
but many loyal subjects were injured in the fighting.
A councillor reports that civilians are fighting in the
streets over the issue of your rule. They will let you
know if anything else occurs.
A councillor enters your court, a weary expression on
his face.

{My liege, vocal opposition to your rule has ceased, and
to that extent we have won this contest,
but many people harbor resentments in their hearts
for the violence that the last three weeks have seen.
I fear that your workers and soldiers may be less
enthusiastic about their duties than you have known
them to be in the past.
You have not won the people's love, but you have regained
your rightful control over them.}
_NODE 33b
_NODE n18412.
A weary councillor comes into your court.

{Majesty, our worst fears have gone unrealized.
While many people remain unjustly dissatisfied with your wise reign,
no organized opposition has presented itself.
I worry that your people are less enthusiastic about fulfilling
their lawful duties to you, but your rule is in no danger.
We can only hope that, with time, the people will come to
see that their discontent is unfounded, and you shall be loved as
greatly as you deserve.}
_NODE 21b.
_NODE n18413.
Your treasurer speaks up and says, {Majesty,
while I applaud your generosity, you should know
that the treasury would be drained by such expense.
The troops will have to be furloughed without extra pay.}
{Very good, my liege.}
As per your order, troops are now being furloughed,
only a few at a time, so as not to reduce your fighting force
unduly.

In addition, they are being given small bonuses as they leave.
_NODE 21c.
_NODE n18414.
Your treasurer speaks up and says, {Majesty,
while I applaud your generosity, you should know
that the treasury would be drained by such pay.}

You must furlough the troops without pay.

Would you like to:
[a] furlough troops without pay.
[b] distribute 1000 marks (1 Gold) among the troops.
[c] let the people be unhappy.
{Very good, my liege.}
As per your order, troops are now being furloughed,
only a few at a time, so as not to reduce your fighting force
unduly.

In addition, they are being given generous bonuses
as they leave.

-------------
Cluster: 1857
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE 18570.
At the last council meeting, you notice Lord Chassaine, one of
your late father's best friends and supporters, shifting uneasily.
When you get a chance to corner him, you raise an eyebrow.
{It is rather minor, Your Majesty. I have been receiving reports of
mysterious movements in the forests near my keep. Some of the people
believe that they are wild men: poachers, bandits or their like. Since I
have few soldiers, I have been reluctant to waste them digging about
in the woods, but now some of the woodcutters are becoming leery of
working there, and the merchants are hesitating to use my trails.}
Do you:
[a] offer Lord Chassaine a troop of Infantry to patrol the woods.
[b] send a few trusted scouts to investigate the matter.
[c] tell Lord Chassaine to keep you notified, but ignore it.
_NODE 1a,
_NODE 18571.
{Ah, you do not have the men to spare. I understand, my lord;
I shall struggle onward without your assistance.}
One of your advisors brings you a problem.

{Your Majesty, the forces that you have sent to Lord Chassaine report that
they are having great difficulties. They are managing to keep work and
trade going in the area, but only under constant harassment. Sir
Marvain, their commander, requests that you send him a unit of archers.
Otherwise, he says, they may soon have great trouble on their hands.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of archers to Sir Marvain.
[b] send trusted men to investigate.
[c] ignore the matter.
_NODE 1b.
_NODE 18572.
One day, one of your agents quietly returns to you.

{Sire, I believe that this matter in Lord Chassaine's lands is more
serious than he suspects. The men lurking in the forest near his castle
do not appear to be simple bandits.
Perhaps you should send soldiers into
the area to control the situation.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry.
[b] send a unit of Infantry and a unit of Archers.
[c] tell your agent to keep you informed, but take no action.
_NODE 1c.
_NODE 18573.
A messenger comes to you.

{Your Majesty, the shadow of banditry casts its evil pall over the
lands of Lord Chassaine.

{A shipment of lumber being
brought from Lord Chassaine's lands has been attacked, and
the wood stolen or burned!}
{A shipment of gold being
transported across Lord Chassaine's lands has been attacked, and
the gold stolen!}

Do you:
[a] send for Lord Chassaine.
[b] send a unit of Infantry to pursue the bandits.
[c] set out yourself with a sizable body of troops.
{Majesty, we do not have the infantry. We must send for
Lord Chassaine.}
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE 18574.
You receive a visitor. He is Sir Marvain, the knight commanding
your forces near Lord Chassaine's lands.

{Your Majesty, thank you for the archers. Without them, all would be lost.}
{Unfortunately, we can do little better than hold our ground. We are plagued
by intermittent ambushes, sabotage, and missing men. We have also
detected signs that the problem is spreading. I do not know what to
suggest, my lord, but I fear that we cannot solve this problem
alone.}

Do you:
[a] demand that Sir Marvain solve this problem at all cost.
[b] send more spies to investigate.
[c] lead a force yourself.
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE 18575.
One of your trusted agents returns from his mission.

{Your Majesty, I have discovered one cause of the
difficulties on Lord Chassaine's lands.

{A band of rebels is lurking in the forest there,
slowly building strength. They appear to be led by
one named Corinn, a man of whom I have been able to discover little else.
{I know not from whence he draws his strength.
Although the struggle for Bretagne has caused some grumbling, the locals have no
grievance with you.}

Do you:
[a] order your agent to kill Corinn.
[b] have your agent arrange a meeting with Corinn.
[c] send Sir Marvain a unit of Archers.
[d] take forces and look into the matter yourself.

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1858
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE 18580.
You set out with your forces to investigate the disturbances
in Lord Chassaine's lands.

When you arrive, you find that the reports of the terrain are accurate
enough: a mixture of forests and marshes, with rolling hills rising into
mountains toward the borders of your lands. Finding those who are hiding
here will challenge even the keenest of your scouts.

Do you:
[a] keep your forces together and conduct sweeps.
[b] concentrate most of your forces, deploying reconnaissance
parties on their perimeter.
[c] break up into squads and do an extended sweep of the local lands.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE 18581.
A runner bursts into your tent. His demeanor betrays his message
even before he begins his sad recitation.

{My lord, I have bad news. While we have been patrolling
this part of the land, bandits attacked a caravan to the
east, which was carting timber. It is lost, my liege.}
east, which was carting grain. It is lost, my liege.}
east, which was carting gold. It is lost, my liege.}
east. Fortunately, they had already made their delivery.}

Do you:
[a] set your spies to locating the bandits.
[b] concentrate most of your forces, deploying reconnaissance
parties on their perimeter.
[c] break up into squads and do an extended sweep of the local lands.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE 18582.
After a month of searching, you have failed to find the rebels.
They always seem to be one step ahead of you; you find
their camps several times, once with an abandoned cooking fire still
blazing. You have accomplished nothing. Other demands for your
attention and the services of your soldiers are becoming increasingly strident.

Do you:
[a] continue with the patrols.
[b] summon Lord Chassaine.
[c] command your trusted agents to locate the bandits.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE 18583.
The shaft of an arrow, expertly placed, grazes your cheek as you lead
your knights on patrol. The sharp report of its impact into a nearby
oak tree reverberates through the sun-dappled forest.

Your trained eye now notices the large number of unfriendly traveling
companions who surround you. They easily outnumber your men by at least
three to one.

A voice speaks from the shadows,

{Surrender to me, you who would be king of Bretagne! Surrender, lest the
blood of your good men be spilled here today!}

Do you:
[a] surrender to the bandits.
[b] fight.
You surrender to the bandits. Although a few of your men attempt to
resist, you sharply command them to cease. Your arms are
bound, you are blindfolded, and your horse is led
away over some distance.
You and your men attempt to resist, but
your men are felled by arrow fire, and you are brought
low with clubs. You are bound and blindfolded,
set upon your horse, and led away.
At last, the horses draw to a halt. You are pulled roughly from your horse. Your
blindfold is removed, and you stand in a clearing surrounded by a party of
heavily armed brigands.

In front of you is a slim, sharp-featured man, dressed no differently
than the others.
{Good afternoon, Your Majesty,} he says, bowing with just a hint of
mockery. {I am pleased that you are able to attend this meeting. We have
much to discuss.}

Do you:
[a] curse him.
[b] tell him to get on with it.
[c] stand silent.
[d] ask him what he means.
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE 18584.
One of your agents returns.

{Sire, I believe that I have located the leader of the rebels, a
man named Corinn. He does not remain in any one place for long, however.
If you wish to take action against him, it must be swift.}

Do you:
[a] order your agent to kill Corinn.
[b] have him attempt to set up a meeting with Corinn.
[c] send a squad of your men to capture the rebel.
_NODE 2ba.
_NODE 18585.
Many weeks of patrols pass. You notice disturbing signs that the
rebel forces you are chasing are growing in size, but since you are
still managing to thwart their raids, you are not concerned,
assuming that soon the brigands will lose their strength.
Terrible news comes to you: Lord Chassaine's keep has been
overrun. Apparently, the forces that you pursued kept you so
busy that news of the attack did not reach you until too late.
Now one Lord Stefan of Caldun, little more than a mountain bandit
himself, has taken your liegeman's castle.

Do you:
[a] ride immediately to Chassaine's rescue.
[b] call for the rest of your armies, then ride to his rescue.
[c] send a message to Lord Stefan asking him what he wants.

-------------
Cluster: 1859
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE 18590.
{Your Majesty, we have unfortunate news. One of your agents
has been found hanged from a tree, with the word {cutthroat}
scrawled on a scarf about his neck. Further,
another of our lumber shipments has vanished.}
another of our food shipments has vanished.}
another of our gold shipments has vanished.}
another of our weapon shipments has vanished.}

Do you:
[a] summon Lord Chassaine.
[b] take forces and look into the matter yourself.
[a] summon Lord Chassaine.
[b] continue with your patrols.
Your spy returns.

{Your Majesty, it is done. The man is dead. I am certain
that, without him, his brothers in arms will drift away.}
_NODE 3.1.
_NODE 18591.
Your spy returns to you with news.

{Sire, the rebel Corinn has agreed to a meeting one month hence on
Bright Hill, east of Lord Chassaine's keep. He will permit you six
guards, and no more, else he will not be there when you arrive.}

Do you:
[a] go to the meeting with just the six guards.
[b] go with six visible guards, but have others creep up in hiding.
[c] go alone.
_NODE 3.2.
_NODE 18592.
The captain of the squad that you sent in pursuit of the rebel Corinn
returns.

{I am sorry, my lord. His woodsmen are too skilled; by
the time we located the camp described by your agent, the filthy
brigands were gone.}

Do you:
[a] summon Lord Chassaine.
[b] continue with your patrols.
Your squadron returns triumphantly with Corinn, leader of the
rebels. He is somewhat battered but alive. Your men throw
the slim, sharp-featured man down in front of you.

{So, you have proved cannier than I, after all. Finish it,
then, what the bedamned Charles began. May he burn in hell!}

He looks at you for a long moment after you demand an explanation
for his outburst.
One of your men edges forward, eager to prod him with a
spear haft, but you wave him away. Corinn then speaks again.
{I am the son of Peter of Bretagne, grandson of Fredric of
Bretagne, through whose blood and bones Charles the Usurper walked
to gain his throne. I shall not apologize for being
willing to sacrifice you, Sire, to win back that precious throne.}

Do you:
[a] have him executed.
[b] offer him freedom, if he will renounce any
claim to the throne.
[c] offer him a title, and the hand of your niece, if he
will renounce his claim and support your bid for the throne.

-------------
Cluster: 1860
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE 18600.
He smiles humorlessly. {Perhaps I shall, Your Majesty. Until that dark day,
however, you shall remain my prisoner.}

You are led away to a hidden cave in the hills, where you are subjected
to rough but tolerable conditions of imprisonment.

Do you:
[a] wait to be rescued.
[b] try to escape late at night.
[c] try to bribe your guard.
_NODE 4.1.
_NODE 18601.
{Perhaps. But the cost will be dear, Your Majesty. A minimum of 8,000
marks, or its equivalent in food and goods, I would think. Is your freedom
worth that to you, Your Majesty?}

Do you:
[a] agree to pay the 8 Gold or equivalent.
[b] try to get him to take 5 Gold.
[c] try to get him to take 3 Gold.
{Very well, then. If you will write a message, we will send it
to your family and arrange for the exchange.}

{It seems that your supplies are not up to your needs,
Your Majesty. Apparently, you shall remain my prisoner.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] challenge him to single combat.
[c] ask if there is not some sort of a deal that you can
make.
{Even as a prisoner, you insist on being in control, Your
Majesty?} Corinn asks sardonically. {Very well. I shall permit you
this small victory. 5,000 marks, then. You must write
a letter, and I will see it conveyed to your family.}
{Evidently, your supplies are insufficient for your needs,
Your Majesty. Apparently, you shall remain my prisoner.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] challenge him to single combat.
[c] ask if there is not some sort of a deal that you can
make.
{Bargaining like a common merchant, Your Majesty? I had
thought better of you. I shall forget about ransoms, then.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] challenge him to single combat.
[c] ask if there is not some sort of a deal that you can make.
_NODE 4.2.
_NODE 18602.
{And why should I fight you, my lord? What value is there in it? What
gain?}

Do you tell him:
[a] that a true warrior would not be afraid to let you fight for your
freedom.
[b] that if he wins, you will support him in his bid for the throne;
that if you win, you expect him to
join you and support your struggle for the throne of Bretagne.
{A pretty sentiment, Your Majesty, but one which has no place
in my life; I can ill afford such fine points of honor. My
prisoner you shall remain.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] offer to ransom yourself.
[c] ask if there is not some sort of a deal that you can make.
Corinn slowly smiles. {All or nothing, is it, my lord? How
can I refuse, given the imbalance of the wager?}
The next few minutes are a dance of flashing swords, of blood
and of pain. When it is done, however, you stand with your sword
at the rebel's throat, ever aware that it would be easy for
his men to feather you now.

Corinn slowly lifts his hands. {I cry for mercy, my lord. And I
am a man of my word.}

He looks suddenly concerned. {But I did not leave
you unmarked, my lord! You are wounded!}

You realize for the first time that he speaks the truth.

Corinn of Bretagne rides in to join your forces. You soon
have a new knight, and some very fine archers and scouts.
Unfortunately, several weeks will pass before your wounds heal
sufficiently to permit you to exercise your full capabilities.
_NODE 18603.
Minutes pass, as Corinn eyes you suspiciously. {What sort of a deal, Your
Majesty? We are in opposition, even if not coming from equal
positions. That which helps one of us hurts the other. Under
those circumstances, what sort of a deal can be made?}

Do you:
[a] offer to help Corinn work within one of the other
contenders' lands.
[b] offer him and his men positions within your army, if he will
renounce his claim.
{Even were I willing to abandon my claim, I could not
trust a promise made under these conditions, Your
Majesty. No, you shall remain my prisoner.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] offer to ransom yourself.
[c] challenge him to personal combat.

-------------
Cluster: 1861
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE 18610.
Do you:
[a] send spies to investigate Stefan of Caldun.
[b] send a messenger to him, demanding that he explain his involvement
in this matter.
[c] march your forces up to his as a sign of your
displeasure.
_NODE 5a.
_NODE 18611.
One of your spies returns from investigating Stefan of Caldun.

{Your Majesty, Lord Stefan has been recruiting mercenaries
and building war engines at his mountain fastness for several months.
He may attempt to move at any moment.}

Do you:
[a] warn to Lord Stefan to leave your lands
or face your wrath.
[b] march immediately to confront him.
[c] have your spies monitor him, but focus
on controlling other matters in the kingdom.
_NODE 5b.
_NODE 18612.
A messenger arrives.

{Your Majesty, Lord Chassaine is under attack! Lord Stefan of Caldun
saw your inaction as a sign of weakness. By now, he has
probably captured Lord Chassaine's keep.}

Do you:
[a] ride with a small force to his rescue.
[b] gather your full armies, then ride to his rescue.
[c] ask Lord Stefan what he wants.
_NODE 5c.
_NODE 18613.
Your forces march for several days before reaching the mountain fortress
of Lord Stefan of Caldun. The terrain is steep and rocky.
Your cavalry will be of little use in a fight.

Do you:
[a] hail out Lord Stefan for a meeting.
[b] attack immediately.
Lord Stefan, a genial, bucolic fellow, comes out to meet you.

{Attack Lord Chassaine? Why, I would not even consider such a
thing. Way too much trouble, don't you know. These mercenaries
are here to help me sweep the mountains clear of
an annoying gang of brigands that has been troubling me.}

Do you:
[a] return to your home.
[b] insist on searching his castle.
[c] attack immediately.
{Certainly, my lord. Let me announce your arrival
so that preparations may be made. Life can
be somewhat untidy out here in the fringes.}

Lord Stefan strolls hurriedly back into his castle.
Soldiers and villagers alike scurry busily about, making
preparations for your arrival. Suddenly, you notice that their
activities are not those of welcoming hosts, but of
soldiers preparing for combat.
Clearly, Lord Stefan is readying himself for a siege!
_NODE 5aa.
_NODE 18614.
{Your Majesty, I bear a message from Lord Stefan of Caldun. He is outraged
that a great lord such as yourself would threaten a mere lordling.
He insists that he has done nothing to you and
yours, and has no intention of doing so.}

Do you:
[a] set out a force to ambush him should he try to proceed out of his
mountains.
[b] march on him immediately.
[c] await events.
_NODE 5ac.
_NODE 18615.
The spy assigned to watch Lord Stefan rides in hurriedly.

{M'lord, Stefan of Caldun's forces are on the march! I believe that they
plan to attack Lord Chassaine!}

Do you:
[a] march your forces immediately to reinforce Chassaine.
[b] intercept Lord Stefan along the way.
[c] wait until he attacks Lord Chassaine, then ambush him.
_NODE 5ca.
_NODE 18616.
In a blare of trumpets and flick of pennons, your forces attack!
You overwhelm the forces of Lord Stefan, despite his familiarity
with the land.
You find the rebel, Corinn, in Stefan's castle, and
he is slain in the ensuing battle. After destroying
the war engines and releasing the mercenaries on their word
to leave the area, you empty Lord Stefan's coffers and return
home. You are certain that the Lord of Caldun will not soon
trouble you again.
Lord Stefan is a skilled defender, and he repels your forces
at some loss to you.

Do you:
[a] attempt to besiege him again.
[b] proceed home and recoup your losses.
_NODE 5aaa.
_NODE 18617.
A messenger comes to you.

{Your Majesty, I have good news. The small force that you set in the passes,
on the chance that Lord Stefan should prove treacherous, has managed to head off
his attempted strike! Even better, we managed to surprise the rebel
band, which was working with them, and destroy it!}

-------------
Cluster: 1862
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE 18620.
{I bring a message from Lord Stefan of Caldun, my liege.}

{He says that he has seized Lord Chassaine's land both to avenge an old insult
from Lord Chassaine to Lord Stefan's father, and to secure his border.
However, he says he might consider the matter
settled and remove his troops if you ally with him and supply
him with 5,000 marks for his defense.}

Do you:
[a] send the 5,000 marks (5 Gold).
[b] send 3,000 marks (3 Gold) and tell him to address any
complaints to your army.
[c] gather your army and attack him.
{My lord, we do not have that much gold. I am
afraid we must free Lord Chassaine by force.}
{My lord, we do not have that much gold. I am
afraid we must free Lord Chassaine by force.}
_NODE 6.1.
_NODE 18621.
Your forces arrive in brave array, pennants blowing, horns blaring.
Lord Stefan's forces await you, along with what you recognize as some
of the brigand archers. The battle is joined.
With difficulty, you overwhelm the forces of Lord Stefan.
You find the rebel, Corinn, in Stefan's castle,
and he is slain in the ensuing battle. After destroying
the war engines and releasing the mercenaries on their word
to leave the area, you ransom Lord Stefan. Much of this will
be needed to repair Lord Chassaine's keep. You are certain
that the Lord of Caldun will not soon trouble you again.
Lord Stefan is a skilled defender, and he repels your forces
at some loss to you.

Do you:
[a] attempt to besiege him again.
[b] acknowledge him as the new owner of Lord Chassaine's lands.
_NODE 6.2.
_NODE n18622.
Your small force rides hard to arrive at the keep of Lord Chassaine.
To your pleasant surprise, you find the area still in a state of
disarray; Lord Chassaine had given a good showing indeed. Perhaps there
is a chance...
With surprise, good fortune, and God on your side, you triumph!

You find the rebel, Corinn, in the castle, conferring with Stefan.
Corinn is slain in the battle for Lord Chassaine's keep.
After releasing the mercenaries on
their word to leave the area, you ransom Lord Stefan. Much of this
gold will be needed to repair Lord Chassaine's keep. You are certain that the
Lord of Caldun will not soon trouble you again.
Unfortunately, this success is at a cost. The wounds you receive in
battle will leave you bedridden for many weeks, during which your
ability to direct your kingdom will be reduced.
Your surgeon visits you.

{Majesty, I am pleased to say that your wounds have healed. You may
now resume your kingly duties.}
_NODE 6.4.
_NODE n18623.
Your forces arrive in brave array, pennants blowing, horns blaring.
Lord Stefan's forces await you, along with what you recognize as some
of the brigand archers. Lord Chassaine's forces gratefully welcome you.
The battle is joined.

With difficulty, you overwhelm the forces of Lord Stefan.
You find the rebel, Corinn, in the castle
with Stefan. Corinn is slain in the fierce battle. After disarming
and releasing the mercenaries on their word to leave
the area, you ransom Lord Stefan. You are certain that
the Lord of Caldun will not soon trouble you again.
Lord Stefan is a skilled defender, and he repels your forces
at some loss to you.

Do you:
[a] attempt to besiege him again.
[b] acknowledge him as the new owner of Lord Chassaine's lands.
_NODE 6.5.
_NODE n18624.
Your forces arrive in brave array, pennants blowing, horns blaring.
Lord Stefan's forces await you, along with what you recognize as some
of the brigand archers. The battle is joined.
With difficulty, you overwhelm the forces of Lord Stefan.
You find the rebel, Corinn, with
Stefan. Corinn is slain in the fierce battle that follows.
After disarming
and releasing the mercenaries on their word to leave the
area, you ransom Lord Stefan. You are certain that
the Lord of Caldun will not soon trouble you again.
Lord Stefan is a skilled defender, and he repels your forces
at some loss to you.

Do you:
[a] attempt to besiege him again.
[b] acknowledge him as the new owner of Lord Chassaine's lands.

-------------
Cluster: 1863
-------------

_NODE 1ac.
_NODE n18630.
A ragged and bloodied figure comes into your great hall.
The leader of the infantry that you dispatched to Lord
Chassaine's lands, Sir Marvain, throws himself at your feet.
{My lord, I have failed you. While patrolling the woods,
we were ambushed by many skilled archers. Only I
and a handful of my men survived. These brigands are far more dangerous
than we had imagined.} He looks up at you. {Even worse, I heard as I
passed through a nearby town that a shipment of
weapons and armor had been hijacked while we were lost in the
forest.}
Do you:
[a] order Sir Marvain executed.
[b] give him a force of infantry and archers and tell him to handle
this problem at all cost.
[c] take a force and look into the matter yourself.
{Thank you, my lord; I shall not fail you again.}
_NODE 1bc.
_NODE n18631.
A messenger comes to you:

{Your Majesty, I bring bad news. A shipment of lumber being
brought from Lord Chassaine's lands has been attacked, and
the wood stolen or burned!}
A messenger comes to you:

{Your Majesty, I bring bad news.
A shipment of gold being
transported across Lord Chassaine's lands has been attacked, and
the gold stolen!}
Later that day, one of your agents returns to you.

{Your Majesty, I have discovered one cause of the
difficulties on Lord Chassaine's lands.

{A band of rebels is lurking about in the woods, slowly
building their strength. They are led by a man named Corinn,
though I can discover nothing else about him.
{I do not know from whence he draws his strength; the locals
have no grievance with you, though there is always some
grumbling because of the struggle for Bretagne. I have seen nothing
unusual.}

Do you:
[a] order your agent to kill Corinn.
[b] have your agent try to set up a meeting with Corinn.
[c] muster your guards and look into the matter yourself.
_NODE 1ca.
_NODE n18632.
Lord Chassaine rides in, responding to your summons.

{My liege, I do not know what to say. I had been receiving hints
of disturbances in my lands, but I had no indication they had reached such
proportions.

{I have done my best to determine the cause of this trouble. I firmly
believe that the blame should be laid at the door of Lord
Stefan of Caldun. He appears to be backing these so-called rebels...
bandits and mercenaries, if I may say so. He knows that
he can launch an attack on me with impunity while Your Majesty is distracted by
his raids. Perhaps he even plans to
take my lands and then make a deal with you.}
_NODE 1aca.
_NODE n18633.
After the execution of Sir Marvain, one of your advisors privately
comes to you.

{The execution was perhaps... ill advised... Your Majesty. Marvain had many
friends among the nobility. There are those who say that, had he
received the aid he needed, his forces would not have been lost.
Regardless of this, the execution has not solved the problem.}

Do you:
[a] take a force and look into the matter yourself.
[b] send for Lord Chassaine.
_NODE 2ca.
_NODE n18634.
The man's smile fades. {Little better than I expected. And you have
the nerve to think that you should sit on the throne of Bretagne!}

He walks around the clearing, looking you over with a faintly sardonic
expression.

{But perhaps you are modeling yourself on that paragon of virtue,
'good' King Charles. Did you ever hear how this great monarch came to
the throne?} He pauses, his jaw tightening. {He walked through the
blood and over the bones of King Fredric and Prince Peter and their
families.}
{The blood of my father and grandfather.}

He turns back to face you. {Legend has it that I am dead. But
some have enough loyalty to protect the son of their prince, even at
the risk of their own lives.}
He looks at you contemptuously. {You are no worse than the others,
chasing the prize of Bretagne. But in your lands I will make my
stand. Even if I must gnaw away, like a rat, at each of the great lords, the crown
of my grandfather will once again be mine.

{As a hostage, I am sure that you will be of great assistance, Your
Majesty. But with you, or without you, I shall be victorious.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] offer to ransom yourself.
[c] challenge him to single combat.
[d] ask if there is not some sort of a deal you can make.

-------------
Cluster: 1864
-------------

_NODE 3.1a.
_NODE n18640.
Your small knightly party rides up onto the hill and looks around.
Clearly, Bright Hill gained its name from the sun reflecting
off the pond at its base.

Suddenly, at least two dozen men surround the
hill. You are confident that you could break free if need be, so you
maintain a calm face.

The leader of these men is slim, sharp-featured, intense. He walks
around the clearing looking you over with a faintly pensive expression.

{This meeting is a waste of time, Majesty. I hold
nothing particularly against you, no desire to do you and your liegemen
harm, even though you participate in the wretched scramble for a throne
that is not yours to claim.
{At least you do not model yourself on that paragon of
virtue, 'good' King Charles. Did you ever hear how this great monarch
came to the throne?} He pauses, his jaw tightening. {He walked through
the blood and over the bones of King Fredric and Prince Peter and
their families.}

{The blood of my father and grandfather.}

He turns back to face you. {Legend has it that I am dead. But
some have enough loyalty to protect the son of their prince, even at
the risk of their own lives.}
He looks you over, thoughtfully. {In a way, it is a shame. You are no worse than
the others, chasing the prize of Bretagne. But in your lands I will make my
stand. Even if I must gnaw away, like a rat, at each of the great lords, the crown
of my grandfather will once again be mine.}

Do you:
[a] point out that he is merely slowing you down; that even if he
is successful, he will simply win the throne for others.
[b] threaten death to him and his followers if he does not abandon
his harassment now.
Abruptly, more men, concealed in pits in the ground, spring up.
Before you can even draw your swords, your men are felled.
You are pulled from your horse and bound.
{You will find that difficult, Majesty. You will
make a fine hostage.}
Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] offer to ransom yourself.
[c] challenge him to personal combat.
[d] ask if there is not some sort of a deal you can make.
He looks at you again, for a long moment, and then his face
seems to sag.
{There is truth in what you say, Your Majesty. But I owe
a debt to these men, who follow me and believe in me. I
cannot abandon them now.}

Do you:
[a] offer him and his men pardon and a position with your
forces if they cease raiding now.
[b] offer to support him in harassing another contender.
[c] offer him a title, and the hand of your niece, if he
will support your bid for the
throne.
{I must think on this, and speak to my people, Your
Majesty. A place of honor with you is
better than death to my men and the passing the crown to
another claimant.}

He and his men disappear as quietly as they appeared.
You watch your new soldiers join your army. A smile
is on your face, a rare expression these days.

{I Corinn, count of Bretagne, swear fealty...}

You have a new commander, and some very fine
archers and scouts. This has been a good day.
_NODE 3.1b.
_NODE n18641.
You arrive at Bright Hill and wait a long time. Evidently,
your deception has been detected. Worse, when you return, you find
that another
lumber shipment has vanished.
food shipment has vanished.
gold shipment has vanished.
weapon shipment has vanished.

Do you:
[a] summon Lord Chassaine.
[b] take forces and look into the matter yourself.
[a] summon Lord Chassaine.
[b] continue with your patrols.
Your men successfully ambush Corinn's forces. In a
battle to the death with the rebel leader, it is you
who remain standing. Without their leader, the rebels will drift away.

-------------
Cluster: 1865
-------------

_NODE 4a.
_NODE n18650.
Days pass. You wait for rescue.
Finally, when you think it will never come, the sound of fighting is
heard in the distance. Your guard draws his sword, keeping one
eye on you and the other on the doorway.

Do you:
[a] attempt to jump the guard when his attention wanes.
[b] try to slip past him.
[c] wait to see what happens next.
With desperate fury, you leap upon the guard when his head
is turned away and manage to fell him, but not
without first taking a deep stab to your side. Bleeding, you
stumble from the cave and see one of your men. He quickly
pulls you up on his horse, and rides away with you to safety.

Your people rejoice at your escape and treat you as a hero.
Unfortunately, your wound proves to be fairly serious, and
you cannot resume your duties for several weeks.
You dismiss your surgeon with a scowl. Your seneschal
smiles as he enters.

{It is good to see you well once more, Majesty. There is
little news. Strangely enough, that brigand Corinn does not
appear to have caused any more damage during your recovery.}

[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and see if you can determine
the cause of the quiet.
You watch for your opportunity. When the guard looks away,
you carefully slide away into the shadows. When he looks back and
notices that you are missing, he steps away from the doorway
to look for you. Taking the opportunity, you dash past the
guard out the entrance, the man in hot pursuit.
Outside, you quickly spot one of your own men. He rides toward you,
cutting down the guard, then taking you to safety.
"A month has passed since your escape. Your seneschal enters:"

{Majesty, that brigand Corinn has not struck in the last
month. 'Tis most peculiar.}

Do you:
[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and investigate.
You wait, straining to hear the sounds of battle. They slowly
die away.

The guard turns mockingly toward you. {Your rescuers have
failed, Your Majesty.}
_NODE 4b.
_NODE n18651.
You bide your time. Finally, one evening, you notice that the guard near the
cave entrance seems to be distracted.

Do you:
[a] quietly sneak around near the entrance, and try to creep out while
the guard's attention is elsewhere.
[b] charge straight past him, bowling him over if he gets in your way.
[c] leap on him by surprise and try to take him down.
You watch for your opportunity. When the guard looks away,
you carefully slide away into the shadows. When he looks back and
notices that you are missing, he steps away from the doorway
to look for you. Taking the opportunity, you dash past the
him and out of the entrance, the man in hot pursuit.
"A month has passed since your escape. Your seneschal enters:"

{Majesty, that brigand Corinn has not struck in the last
month. 'Tis most peculiar.}

[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and investigate.
The guard spins as you charge him, bringing his sword around
swiftly. With a crash, it slams into your head, sending you
into unconsciousness.

When you awaken, your legs are tied, and the opportunity to run does
not again present itself.
With desperate fury, you leap upon the guard when his head
is turned away and manage to fell him, but not
without first taking a deep stab to your side. Bleeding, you
stumble from the cave and see one of your men. He quickly
pulls you up on his horse, and rides away with you to safety.

Your people rejoice at your escape and treat you as a hero.
Unfortunately, your wound proves to be fairly serious, and
you cannot resume your duties for several weeks.
You dismiss your surgeon with a scowl. Your seneschal
smiles as he enters.

{I am pleased to see you well once more, Majesty. There is
little news. Strangely enough, that brigand Corinn does not
appear to have caused any more damage during your recovery.}

[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and investigate.

-------------
Cluster: 1866
-------------

_NODE 6.5.
_NODE n18660.
Your forces arrive in brave array, pennants blowing, horns blaring,
Lord Stefan's forces await you, along with soldiers who you recognize as some
of the brigand's archers. Lord Chassaine's forces gratefully support you.
The battle is joined.
With difficulty, you overwhelm the forces of Lord Stefan.
You find that the rebel Corinn had been secretly
aiding Stefan. Corinn is killed in the fighting. After disarming
and releasing the mercenaries on their word
to leave the area, you ransom Lord Stefan, though some of the
gold will be needed to repair Lord Chassaine's keep.
The Lord of Caldun will not soon trouble you again.
Lord Stefan is a skilled defender, and he repels your forces
at some loss to you.

Do you:
[a] attempt to besiege him again.
[b] acknowledge him as the new owner of Lord Chassaine's lands.
_NODE 6a
_NODE n18661.
You sit back to consider recent events.

Lord Stefan has taken his money and quietly returned to his mountain keep.
Surprisingly, he is a man of his word; he does not again trouble your
lands. Perhaps he genuinely felt threatened by Lord Chassaine.
The fate of Corinn is more uncertain. Some rumors say that he has taken
his men elsewhere; others that Lord Stefan recognized a threat and
killed him; others that he died in taking Lord Chassaine's keep.
You may never know.

In any case, your kingdom settles back to normalcy.
_NODE 6b
_NODE n18662.
Lord Stefan turns out to be a surprisingly agreeable neighbor. He does
not again trouble your lands. Perhaps he genuinely felt threatened by
Lord Chassaine. But Lord Chassaine and the others are not pleased by
capitulation, and it makes you appear weak.
The fate of Corinn is less certain. Some rumors say that he has taken
his men elsewhere; others that Lord Stefan recognized a threat and
killed him; others that he died in taking Lord Chassaine's keep.
You may never know.

In any case, your kingdom settles back to normalcy.
_NODE 2cb.
_NODE n18664.
The man smiles. {You have courage, at least. But that is not
all one needs to sit on the throne of Bretagne!}
He walks around the clearing, looking you over with a faintly pensive
expression.

{At least you do not model yourself on that paragon of
virtue 'good' King Charles. Did you ever hear how this great monarch
came to the throne?} He pauses, his jaw tightening. {He walked through
the blood and over the bones of King Fredric and Prince Peter and
their families.}
{The blood of my father and grandfather.}

He turns back to face you. {Legend has it that I am dead. But
some have enough loyalty to protect the son of their prince, even at
the risk of their own lives.}
He looks you over, thoughtfully. {In a way, it is a shame. You are no worse than
the others, chasing the prize of Bretagne. But in your lands I will make my
stand. Even if I must gnaw away, like a rat, at each of the great lords, the crown
of my grandfather will once again be mine.}
{As a hostage, I am certain that you will be of great assistance, Your
Majesty. But with you, or without you, I will win.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] offer to ransom yourself.
[c] challenge him to single combat.
[d] ask if there is not some sort of a deal you can make.

-------------
Cluster: 1867
-------------

_NODE 3.1c.
_NODE n18670.
You ride up onto the hill and look around. It is clear that the name of
Bright Hill comes from the sun reflecting off the pond at its base.

Abruptly, at least a dozen men surround the hill.
{You do not lack bravery, Your Majesty; perhaps some good sense, however,}
says the slim, sharp-featured man leading the rebels.

{This meeting is a waste of time, Your Majesty. I
have nothing against you, no desire to do you and your kinsmen
harm, even though you participate in the wretched scramble
for a throne that is not yours to claim.
You are, at least, a man of some honor, unlike that paragon of
virtue, 'good' King Charles. Did you ever hear how this great monarch
came to the throne?} He pauses, his jaw tightening. {He walked through
the blood and over the bones of King Fredric and Prince Peter and their
families.}
{The blood of my father and grandfather.}

He turns back to face you. {Legend has it that I am dead. But
some have enough loyalty to protect the son of their prince, even at
the risk of their own lives.}
He looks you over, thoughtfully. {In a way, it is a shame. You are no worse than
the others, chasing the prize of Bretagne. But in your lands I will make my
stand. Even if I must gnaw away, like a rat, at each of the great lords, the crown
of my grandfather will once again be mine.}
Do you:
[a] point out that he is merely slowing you down; that even if he
is successful, he will simply win the throne for others.
[b] threaten death to him and his followers if he does not abandon
his harassment now.
Corinn slowly smiles. {All or nothing, my lord? How
can I refuse, given the imbalance of the wager?}
The next few minutes are a dance of flashing swords, of blood
and of pain. When it is done, you stand with your sword
at the rebel's throat, ever aware that it would be easy for
his men to feather you now.

Corinn slowly lifts his hands. {I cry for mercy, my lord. And I
am a man of my word.}

He looks suddenly concerned. {But I did not leave
you unmarked, my lord! You are wounded!}

You realize for the first time that he speaks the truth.

Corinn of Bretagne rides to join your forces. You soon
have a new knight, and some very fine archers and scouts.
But it will be some weeks before your wounds heal
sufficiently to allow you to govern your realm.
He looks at you again, for a long moment, and then his face
seems to sag.
{There is truth in what you say, Majesty. But I owe a
a debt to these men who follow me and believe in me. I
cannot abandon them now.}

Do you:
[a] offer him and his men pardon and a position with your
forces if they cease raiding.
[b] offer to support him in harassing another contender.
[c] offer him a title, and the hand of your niece, if he
will support you in your bid.
{I must think on this, and speak to my people, Your
Majesty. But a place of honor with you is
better than death to my men and surrender of the crown to
another claimant.}

He and his men disappear as quietly as they appeared.
You watch your new soldiers join your army. A smile
is on your face, a rare expression these days.

{I Corinn, count of Bretagne, swear fealty...}

You have a new commander, and some very fine
archers and scouts. This has been a good day.
_NODE 3.2a.
_NODE n18671.
The rebel faces his execution calmly, and does not try to incite the
people; but still there is muttering, and there are those who will not
forget this act. But at least your shipments are safe.
_NODE 3.2b.
_NODE n18672.
The man looks up at your for a long, intense moment, and then shakes
his head.

{Thank you for offering me my life, Your Majesty; it is gracious of
you. But not while I live my life will I turn from my quest.}

Reluctantly, you conclude that the man must die.
Today, the rebel Corinn dies.

Just before the execution, Corinn surprises you. He makes a
final speech, but it is not one of condemnation. He admits to his
crimes, and refers to your actions as {those things that a king must
do.} This seems to mollify the people so that they
react well enough to the rebel's death.

-------------
Cluster: 1868
-------------

_NODE 4c.
_NODE n18680.
Over the next several days, you cultivate a civil relationship with
your guards, feeling them out, looking for a venal streak. Finally, you
think you have found it, in a big, bluff fellow with a somewhat weak
chin.

Do you:
[a] offer him knighthood, and position in your army.
[b] offer him 1,000 marks (1 Gold).
[c] offer him 2,000 marks and a pardon for his actions.
{I'd not know what to do with those fancy folks, and they'd
not likely forget where I come from. I'll thank you to keep
offers to yerself in the future.}
The man quietly arranges for your escape. One evening, the
two of you ride away on stolen horses.

When you arrive at your castle, do you:
[a] pay the man his fee and let him go.
[b] have him arrested for banditry.
You pay the man and let him go. There is much talk
that comes to your ears about rewarding a bandit for
his crimes.
The bandit hollers about betrayal, but no one, even
the common people at his trial, seems to have much
sympathy for him. After all, you never promised him
pardon, and this man betrayed his leader.
The next month passes. Strangely enough, Corinn does not
appear to have caused any more damage.

[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and investigate.
The man quietly arranges for your escape. One evening, the
two of you ride away on stolen horses.

When you arrive at your castle, do you:
[a] pay the man his fee and let him go.
[b] have him arrested for banditry.
You pay the man and let him go. There is much talk
that comes to your ears about rewarding a bandit for
his crimes.
The man screams of betrayal at his trial, and many
people seem to sympathize with him, even though he
betrayed his leader. After all, you did promise him a
pardon.
The next month passes. Strangely enough, Corinn does not
appear to have caused any more damage during this time.

Do you:
[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and investigate.
_NODE 4a.1.
_NODE n18681.
You are traveling quickly cross-country to Lord Chassaine's hold. The
countryside seems quiet. Your force is of a moderate size.
Terrible news comes to you: Lord Chassaine's keep has been
overrun. Apparently, the forces that you were following have kept you so
busy that news of the attack did not reach you until it was too late.
Lord Stefan of Caldun, little more than a mountain bandit
himself, has taken your liegeman's castle.

Do you:
[a] ride immediately to his rescue.
[b] call for the rest of your armies and then ride to his rescue.
[c] send a message to Lord Stefan asking him what he wants.
_NODE 4fail.
_NODE n18682.
The next day, Corinn and his men come and take you away. You are led
by the back ways, blindfolded. Finally, you are unmasked.

You have been turned over to forces of the Pope.
Needless to say, they soon release you. But the bishop in charge of the
lands where you have been released chides you for handling Corinn so
poorly. The Church succeeds in convincing Corinn to abandon his claim,
and take holy orders.

Your lands return to normal, but this is an embarrassing incident that
you know has not improved the Pope's opinion of you.

-------------
Cluster: 1869
-------------

_NODE 3.2c.
_NODE n18690.
"He looks at you for a long moment, surprise upon his face. {This is what "
you offer to the ragged scion of a line that could some day oppose you?
You are both a brave and generous man, Your Majesty. I have told myself
that I would seek my birthright to the end of my breath. Even if I reached
the throne, however, there would always be those saying that I lied about my
heritage. Perhaps there is more honor in serving an honorable man
than in grasping a heritage too tightly.}
It is a good day; the day of the marriage of your niece Elena (who
proved to be much less resistant to the idea than you feared) and the
new Count Corinn. It seems that the Count's lineage was clearer than
he had thought; the old clergyman who marries them recalls meeting his
father years ago, and the prince looked enough like him for them to be
twins. Rather than the hostility you expected, most of your nobles
seem to have taken well to the new count, and his military talents
will certainly help in the days ahead.

It is a fine day to be King....
_NODE 3harass.
_NODE n18691.
Corinn looks at you thoughtfully. {While perhaps a bit self-serving,
Your Majesty, that has merit. If I am not to get the crown, I would prefer
that you gain it, rather than any of the others who compete with you. I
need money and supplies to get started, but I would be
willing to at least start my war elsewhere. I will need a ton of
food and 1,000 marks (1 Gold).

Do you:
[a] agree.
[b] agree, but tell him you do not have it right now.
{I believe that the master of Valois shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Valois is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Anjou shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Anjou is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Aragon shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Aragon is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Burgundy shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Burgundy is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Albion shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Albion is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{Since you do not have the necessary supplies, I
will return in one month, Your Majesty. Then we may proceed.}
Corinn meets you at the place you previously arranged.
{I believe that the master of Valois shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Valois is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Anjou shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Anjou is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Aragon shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Aragon is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Burgundy shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Burgundy is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Albion shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Albion is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{Your Majesty, my men cannot live on promises forever. I will
return one more time...and then I will do what I must.}
You hear that the rebel Corinn has been accidentally killed by a
runaway wagon. It is not the solution you would have preferred,
but it will do.

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1873
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n18730.
After a council meeting, one of your younger advisors, Sir Estes
comes up to you.

{Your Majesty, I have discovered an opportunity that demands
your attention. I met a fellow named Karl Mercurato...Spanish or
some such...who made an interesting discovery that
might be of use to us in our preparations for coming times.}
{He claims to have acquired a map to the kingdom of the great holy king,
Prester John.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that you are not interested.
[b] order him to arrange to buy the map from Mercurato.
[c] command him to set up a meeting with this Mercurato.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE n18731.
{As you will, Your Majesty, but I believe that we are allowing a
priceless opportunity to pass us by.}
Sir Estes comes to speak with you again.

{Your Majesty, perhaps you should reconsider your decision. The man
Mercurato is wandering about these lands, attempting to finance an
expedition to the Kingdom of Prester John.
Building an alliance with such a great king surely would be to our benefit.}

Do you:
[a] tell him to stop bothering you.
[b] tell him to keep an eye on Mercurato and report back to you.
[c] order him to arrange a meeting between you and Mercurato.
_NODE 1b.
_NODE n18732.
Sir Estes returns to speak with you.

{I have spoken again with Mercurato, Your Majesty. He will sell the map
to us for 2,000 marks. His original price was higher, but
I convinced him to be more reasonable. I do not believe that
he will negotiate further.}

Do you:
[a] pay the 2,000 marks (2 gold).
[b] tell Sir Estes you want to meet with Mercurato.
[c] tell the knight to forget it.
You do not have sufficient gold.

Do you:
[a] tell Sir Estes you want to meet with Mercurato.
[b] tell the knight to forget it.
{Very good, Majesty. I shall have it within
a fortnight.}
Sir Estes returns with the map. It appears to be old,
though done with a skilled hand, and shows the
kingdom of Prester John to be located in the fabled
land of Africa.

Do you:
[a] spend 3 Gold, 3 Timber, 3 Food and send two
Infantry units and one unit of Archers to investigate.
[b] spend 1 Gold, 1 Timber, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[c] wait until you have more resources available.
[d] forget about the map.
_NODE 1c.
_NODE n18733.
Sir Estes returns with Karl Mercurato.

{Greetings, Your Majesty,} the man says, bowing. {I am Karl Mercurato,
explorer and man of science. As your good Sir Estes has no doubt told
you, I possess an antiquity of great value: a map to the kingdom
of the great king and priest Prester John.}
{Your Majesty doubtless knows that this holy king is said to rule a
kingdom greater than any in Christendom. It is supposed to be a place
of great wonders, some, no doubt, left from the days of ancient
Atlantis. My map reveals this land to be located amidst the lands of
Africa.}
{I propose to put together an expedition to travel to this land and
make contact with this great kingdom. Surely, Your Majesty can see the
advantages of making an alliance with such a great power.

{I would, of course, need proper funding to do this. I believe 5,000
marks would be sufficient.}

Do you:
[a] pay the 5,000 marks (5 Gold).
[b] pay 3 Gold.
[c] pay 1 Gold.
[d] tell him you are not interested.
I see that you do not have enough gold.
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE n18734.
One of your advisors comes to speak with you.

{Majesty, we have a problem. This Mercurato has been speaking to various
nobles and merchants, and has acquired funds to search for Prester John.
That would not be a problem, except that his preparations are causing
shortages in the wood and supplies that we need for our current
campaign. In addition, several nobles are being rather lax about
paying their taxes because of their investments, and we are having
great difficulties recruiting new soldiers.}

Do you:
[a] order Mercurato to cease and desist.
[b] summon Mercurato to speak with you.
[c] have Mercurato arrested.
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE n18735.
Sir Estes visits you again.

{Karl Mercurato has been passing among the nobility and the richer
merchants, Your Majesty.} He looks uncomfortable. {I am
afraid that, if he continues, he may well divert vital materials
and cause trouble among the nobles.}

Do you:
[a] tell Mercurato to cease his efforts.
[b] exile him from your kingdom.
[c] offer to support his efforts yourself.
Karl Mercurato, and his mysterious map, ride out of your
kingdom, never to be seen again. You manage to reclaim most
of the monies he had begun to spend for his expedition.
Your nobles are not happy at what
they perceive to be interference in their personal affairs.

-------------
Cluster: 1874
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE n18740.
You do not have enough gold.

Do you:
[a] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[b] wait until you have more resources available.
[c] forget about the map.
You do not have enough wood.

Do you:
[a] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[b] wait until you have more resources available.
[c] forget about the map.
You do not have enough food.

Do you:
[a] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[b] wait until you have more resources available.
[c] forget about the map.
You do not have enough infantry.

Do you:
[a] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[b] wait until you have more resources available.
[c] forget about the map.
You do not have enough Archers.

Do you:
[a] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[b] wait until you have more resources available.
[c] forget about the map.
Your expedition is organized. The worthy Sir Estes is placed in
charge, and he sails off to find Prester John.
A messenger comes, with a letter from Sir Estes, which reads,

{My liege:
'We have safely reached the coast of Africa. The locals, though
heathen savages, are friendly enough, and speak of a great
king who dwells in the heart of the land. When shown the map,
they agree that it is there where he lives. But we need more gold
to pay for guides and smaller boats to travel inland.'}

Do you:
[a] send Sir Estes another 1,000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] tell him to proceed as best he can.
[c] tell him to abandon the quest and return.
You do not have any gold to send.

Do you:
[a] tell him to abandon the quest and return.
[b] tell him to proceed as best he can.
_NODE 2.1.
_NODE n18741.
You do not have enough gold.

Do you:
[a] wait until you have more resources available.
[b] forget about the map.
You do not have enough wood.

Do you:
[a] wait until you have more resources available.
[b] forget about the map.
You do not have enough food.

Do you:
[a] wait until you have more resources available.
[b] forget about the map.
You do not have enough infantry.

Do you:
[a] wait until you have more resources available.
[b] forget about the map.
Your expedition is organized. The worthy Sir Estes is placed in
charge, and he sails off to find Prester John.
_NODE 2.2.
_NODE n18742.
You come across the map to the kingdom of Prester
John, and it occurs to you that you now have enough
men and materials to follow up on it, if you wish.

Do you:
[a] spend 3 Gold, 3 Wood, 3 Food and send two
Infantry units and one unit of Archers on a full
expedition.
[b] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[c] wait until you have more resources available.
[d] forget about the map.
You still have insufficient resources to
mount the expedition to seek Prester John.
If you continue to gather
resources, you may soon be able to launch this profitable
venture.
_NODE 2a.
_NODE n18743.
You dispatch another 1,000 marks with the messenger.
A messenger arrives with another letter from Sir Estes.

{My liege:

{I have good news, and bad news. The good news is that I have found the
great king of which the locals speak. The bad news is that he is not
Prester John. In fact, he seems to be of the paynim faith! I need your
guidance, Your Majesty.}

Do you:
[a] tell him to attempt diplomatic contact with the Islamic king.
[b] order him to abandon his mission and return.
[c] command him to attack the foreign king.
[d] suggest that he keep looking for Prester John.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE n18744.
Many months pass before you receive a messenger. He reveals the
fate of your expedition. Without guides or boats, your men were forced
to travel overland. They fought with savages, died of fever, and
lost men to wild animals. Finally, the dispirited remnants of the party turned back
when Sir Estes was lost in a battle with natives.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE n18745.
The expedition to Africa returns. It was costly, and produced no result,
but your people are still proud of such an effort that no other local lord
would make.
_NODE 2.1a.
_NODE n18746.
A messenger comes to you.

{Your Majesty, I do not bring good tidings. Your expedition has ended
in disaster. The forces accompanying Sir Estes were too small. The
locals appear to have attacked and overrun them. If any escaped, they
likely are lost in that strange land.}

-------------
Cluster: 1875
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n18750.
You discover that your treasury is not up to your intentions.

Do you:
[a] pay 3 Gold.
[b] pay 1 Gold.
[c] tell him that you are not interested.
{You do not even have that much Gold, Sire.}

Do you:
[a] pay 1 Gold.
[b] tell him you are not interested.
{Surely you can afford more, Your
Majesty? No? Ah, well, I shall make do with
what you offer.}
{Very good, Your Majesty. I will begin preparations
immediately.}
_NODE 3.1
_NODE n18751.
Mercurato returns to speak with you.

{Your Majesty, I have discovered a great deal of unrest
in the timber markets. It is impossible for me to purchase wood.
I will need you to supply me with this commodity.}

Do you:
[a] send him 5 Wood.
[b] send him 3 Wood.
[c] tell him he has received all the support you have to give.
{Since you lack sufficient resources, I shall
obtain my supplies elsewhere.}
{Very good, Your Majesty, I will return to my work
immediately.}
{Since you lack sufficient resources, I shall
obtain my supplies elsewhere.}
{Are you sure that you cannot afford a bit....
Oh, very well, I suppose that I can struggle onward.}
{If you lack sufficient resources, Your Majesty, I shall
obtain my supplies elsewhere.}
_NODE 3.2.
_NODE n18752.
{I am sorry, Your Majesty, but that simply will not do. I shall
seek funding elsewhere.}
_NODE 3.3.
_NODE n18753.
{As you will, Majesty. I have other means of obtaining
these resources.}
_NODE 3a.
_NODE n18754.
Karl Mercurato returns to speak with you again.

{Your Majesty, my ships are completed and I have hired their crews.
I have another problem, however. With all the military
activity, it is proving impossible to find the mercenaries who I will need
to insure the safety of the expedition. I need at least three units of
infantry and two of archers.}

Do you:
[a] supply him with the 3 Infantry and 2 Archers.
[b] give him 2 Infantry and 1 of Archers.
[c] tell him to make do with 1 Infantry.
[d] tell him you have no forces to give him.
{As you do not have sufficient forces, Your Majesty,
I fear that this expedition is impossible. Perhaps we
can try again after things have settled down.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular at your
court. His wide range of learning proves valuable,
and he teaches you much that proves useful in the
daily administration of your realm.
{As you do not have sufficient forces, Your Majesty,
I fear that this expedition is impossible. Perhaps we
can try again someday after things have settled.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular at your
court. His wide range of learning proves valuable,
and he teaches you much that proves useful in the
daily administration of your realm.
{Very good, Your Majesty. After a few more
preparations, we shall be ready to embark.}
{As you do not have sufficient forces, Your Majesty,
I fear that this expedition is impossible. Perhaps we
can try again someday after things have settled.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular at your
court. His wide range of learning proves valuable,
and he teaches you much that proves useful in the
daily administration of your realm.
{As you do not have sufficient forces, Your Majesty,
I fear that this expedition is impossible. Perhaps we
can try again someday after things have settled.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular at your
court. His wide range of learning proves valuable,
and he teaches you much that proves useful in the
daily administration of your realm.
{Are you certain that you cannot spare a few more troops,
Your Majesty? We will be well out of reach for... Oh,
very well, perhaps these will be sufficient. Thank you, Your
Majesty. I should be ready to leave shortly.}
{Your Majesty, I am afraid that simply is not enough.
{Your Majesty, I understand your situation.
Perhaps we can try this again some day, when your forces are free.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular at your court. His
knowledge proves valuable, and he teaches you much that proves
useful in the daily administration of your realm.
_NODE 3aa.
_NODE n18755.
Mercurato comes to see you yet again.

{Your Majesty, I am sorry to say that we have run into yet one more
snag in our plans. The food supplies for which I arranged have disappeared
mysteriously, and the merchants involved have vanished. I will need
to replace them before we can start.}

Do you:
[a] give him the 3 units of Food he requests.
[b] give him 3 Gold and tell him to purchase food.
[c] tell him that you have given him all the supplies you can afford.

-------------
Cluster: 1876
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE n18760.
A messenger arrives with another letter from Sir Estes. It reads,

{My liege:

{As you requested, I have made contact with the Muslim King of this
strange place. He is an odd man, this Addas Qalati. He is arrogant,
bombastic, sly, and espouses the most appalling anti-Christian
sentiments.

{He can also be jovial, generous and tolerant of those not of his own
faith. Rumor says that he is also brave on the field of battle.}

{I have made initial contact, but he is still somewhat reserved and
distant. My guide suggests that a gift from you would perhaps smooth
our path.}

Do you send him:
[a] a golden necklace set with a large ruby (1 Gold).
[b] a collection of well-made composite bows (1 Wood).
[c] a variety of local foodstuffs and delicacies (1 Food).
[d] a set of fine swords, helms and bucklers (1 Iron).
[e] nothing, except your best wishes.
_NODE 4.1.
_NODE n18761.
A weary messenger arrives at your keep.

{Majesty, your expeditionary force has been destroyed. While Sir
Estes did his best, and your forces were better equipped than
the foreign king's, the enemy were very well trained, brave, and knew
the land far better than did our troops.}
{There is quiet whispering about the foolishness of
attacking a king so far away with so little reason. Also, Sir Estes'
family cannot help but feel that he was used and thrown away.}
_NODE 4a.
_NODE n18762.
There is not enough gold to purchase the necklace.

Do you send:
[a] a collection of well-made composite bows (1 Wood).
[b] a variety of local foodstuffs and delicacies (1 Food).
[c] a set of fine swords, helms and bucklers (1 Iron).
[d] nothing, except your best wishes.
A letter arrives from Sir Estes.

{Your Majesty, King Qalati was unimpressed by your gift.
Apparently, he has much gold, and gemstones are not rare in
places with which he trades. He does not harm us, but he no
longer pays us any heed.}

Do you:
[a] tell him to make one more attempt to ally with the king.
[b] order him to continue searching for Prester John.
[c] command him to abandon the quest and return.
_NODE 4b.
_NODE n18763.
There is not enough wood to produce the bows.

Do you send:
[a] a golden necklace set with a large ruby (1 Gold).
[b] a variety of local foodstuffs and delicacies (1 Food).
[c] a set of fine swords, helms and bucklers (1 Iron).
[d] nothing, except your best wishes.
Another letter comes from Sir Estes.

{Your Majesty, King Qalati is delighted with your gift. These
people do not use the bow, but he could see the value in it
once some of our bowmen demonstrated it for him. He now has our
archers teaching his elite guard the use of the bow.
{I think that his temper is now right for talk of alliances.}

Do you:
[a] tell Estes to try forming a political alliance.
[b] have him form a trade pact.
[c] have him set up both an alliance and a trade pact.
_NODE 4c.
_NODE n18764.
There is not enough food to produce the delicacies.

Do you send:
[a] a golden necklace set with a large ruby (1 Gold).
[b] a collection of well-made composite bows (1 Wood).
[c] a set of fine swords, helms and bucklers (1 Iron).
[d] nothing, except your best wishes.
Another letter comes from Sir Estes.

{Your Majesty, King Qalati enjoyed your gift. It seems
that the fellow has quite a taste for sweets, so
the confections that you sent were well received.

{I think that his temper is now right for talk of alliances.}

Do you:
[a] tell Estes to try forming a political alliance.
[b] have him form a trade pact.
[c] have him set up both an alliance and a trade pact.
_NODE 4d.
_NODE n18765.
There is not enough iron to produce the weapons.

Do you send:
[a] a golden necklace set with a large ruby (1 Gold).
[b] a collection of well-made composite bows (1 Wood).
[c] a variety of local foodstuffs and delicacies (1 Food).
[d] nothing, except your best wishes.
Another letter comes from Sir Estes.

{Your Majesty, I am afraid that King Qalati was rather lukewarm
about your gift of arms. He seemed to appreciate the craft
that went into them, but the weather here is too hot and
moist for iron to be very practical. We spend much of our
time scrubbing our armor and weapons to keep them free of rust.
This land is as bad as I have heard of the Holy Land when it
comes to wearing armor in this heat.}
{The King may still retain enough interest for talk of an
alliance to be possible. I seek your guidance.}

Do you:
[a] tell Estes to try forming a political alliance.
[b] have him form a trade pact.
[c] have him set up both an alliance and a trade pact.

-------------
Cluster: 1877
-------------

_NODE 5a.
_NODE n18770.
A messenger comes, sent back by the explorers.

The message he bears is from Sir Estes.

{Greetings, Your Majesty. We have reached the African lands,
with some small trouble, as our ships were blown slightly off
course. While we have reached the general area of the map,
it is large. We have heard three sets of rumors that may show
us the way to Prester John. The first is a story of a place
where great constructions have been seen from afar. The second
is of a place known as 'the place of the cross'. The people
say that it is a place of foreign gods. The last is a rumor of a
place where a great warrior dwells. Mercurato thinks that this is
merely a tribal chief, but I am not so sure.}

Do you tell Sir Estes to pursue:
[a] the place with the great construction.
[b] the place of the cross.
[c] the land of the great warrior.
The message he bears is from Mercurato.

{Greetings, Majesty. We have reached the African lands,
with some small trouble, as our ships were blown somewhat off
course. While we have reached the general area of the map,
it is large. We have found a pair of possible clues to the
land of Prester John. The first is a story of a place
where great constructions have been seen from afar. The second
is of a place known as 'the place of the cross'. The people
say that it is a place of foreign gods.}

Do you tell Mercurato to pursue:
[a] the place with the great construction.
[b] the place of the cross.
_NODE 5a.
_NODE n18771.
Another messenger from your explorers returns.

The letter he bears is from Sir Estes.

{Your Majesty, we have made a great discovery. It is not the
kingdom of Prester John, but perhaps almost as important.

{We found a place of great pyramids, columns and structures,
almost covered by mud and vines. Mercurato thinks it may be a
far southern branch of ancient Aegyptos, almost untouched
for centuries. We cannot be sure why there are no people,
though some ancient change of waterway seems to have flooded
the area. Mercurato thinks there may be great things to find
inside these buildings, but we will need wood and tools to
break into them.}

Do you:
[a] send 1 Timber and 1 Iron to the explorers.
[b] order them to go to the place of the cross.
[c] order them to seek the great warrior.
[d] recall them.
You do not have enough wood.

Do you:
[a] tell them to go to the place of the
cross.
[b] order them to seek the great
warrior.
[c] recall them.
You do not have enough iron.

Do you:
[a] tell them to go to the place of the
cross.
[b] order them to seek the great
warrior.
[c] recall them.
The letter he bears is from Mercurato.

{My lord, we have made an amazing discovery. It is not the
kingdom of Prester John, but perhaps almost as important.

{We found a place of great pyramids, columns and structures,
almost covered by mud and vines. It can be nothing but a
far southern branch of ancient Aegyptos, almost untouched
for some time. We cannot be sure why there are no people,
though some ancient change of waterway seems to have flooded
the area. I am certain that there are great things to find
inside these buildings, but we will need wood and tools to
break into them.}

Do you:
[a] send 1 Wood and 1 Iron to the explorers.
[b] order them to seek the great warrior.
[c] recall them.
You do not have enough wood.

Do you:
[a] tell them to go to the place of the
cross.
[b] recall them.
You do not have enough iron.

Do you:
[a] tell them to go to the place of the
cross.
[b] recall them.
_NODE 5b.
_NODE n18772.
Sir Estes himself rides in to meet you, with a battered
unit of your soldiers!

{It was terrible, Your Majesty! The 'place of the cross' was
a land of hideous heathens who slew any who entered and put
captives up on the cross as in ancient Rome. We were lucky
that any of us fought free. Poor Mercurato was captured, and
I shudder to think of his fate.}
Your folk are not happy about the loss of your soldiers, but
the heroic tale of the last fight of your surviving
soldiers inspires them.
A messenger rides to meet you.

{A terrible tale comes to us, Your Majesty! The 'place of the
cross' was a land of hideous heathens who slew any who entered
and put captives up on the cross in the manner of ancient
Rome. We would know none of their fates had not a single
archer escaped.}
Your people are not happy about the loss of your soldiers.

-------------
Cluster: 1878
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE n18780.
A messenger brings another letter from Sir Estes.

{I am afraid that I have failed you, my liege. I attempted to
convince King Qalati that we would be good, if distant, allies
for him, but I seem to have angered him instead. He has
ordered us out of his land, never to return.}

Do you:
[a] tell Sir Estes to return home.
[b] tell him to teach King Qalati respect with force of arms.
[c] tell him to return to the search for Prester John.
{My liege, King Qalati seems to be of two minds about our
proposal. Perhaps another gift would sway him?}
{I send glad tidings, my liege! King Qalati sees great
possibilities in an alliance with your royal person. I and
most of my men will be returning soon with a treaty for you
to sign, while the remainder set up a small enclave here for
your representative when you choose one.}
It is a great moment for you.

Sir Estes returns with the treaty. After signing it, you send
a copy back with that worthy knight, who you have chosen to be
your representative. While the Church is not completely
pleased by this alliance with an Islamic king, Qalati has
subtle and far-reaching contacts, and he helps you greatly.
In return, you provide contacts throughout
Europe and assistance with his military needs.
_NODE 6.1.
_NODE n18781.
A messenger brings another letter from Sir Estes.

{I fear that I have failed you, my liege. I attempted to
convince King Qalati that we would be good, if distant, allies
for him, but I somehow seem to have angered him instead. He has
ordered us out of his land, never to return.}

Do you:
[a] tell Sir Estes to return home.
[b] tell him to teach King Qalati respect with force of arms.
[c] tell him to return to the search for Prester John.
{My liege, King Qalati seems to be of two minds about our
proposal. Perhaps another gift would sway him?}
{I send glad tidings, my liege! King Qalati sees great
possibilities in a trade pact with your royal person. I and
most of my men will be returning soon with a treaty for you
to sign, while the remainder set up a small enclave here for
your representative when you choose one.}
Sir Estes returns with the treaty. After signing it, you send
a copy back with that worthy knight, who you have chosen to be
your representative. Great trade opportunities are now open
to you.
_NODE 6.1.
_NODE n18782.
A messenger brings another letter from Sir Estes.

{I am afraid that I have failed you, my liege. I attempted to
convince King Qalati that we would be good, if distant, allies
for him, but I somehow seem to have angered him instead. He has
ordered us out of his land, never to return.}

Do you:
[a] tell Sir Estes to return home.
[b] tell him to teach King Qalati respect with force of arms.
[c] tell him to return to the search for Prester John.
{My liege, King Qalati seems to be of two minds about our
proposal. Perhaps another gift would sway him?}
{I send glad tidings, my liege! King Qalati sees great
possibilities in an alliance and trade pact with your royal
self. I and most of my men will be returning soon with a
treaty for you to sign, while the remainder set up a small
enclave here for your representative when you choose one.}
Sir Estes returns with the treaty. After signing it, you send
a copy back with that worthy knight, who you have chosen to be
your representative. While the Church is not as happy as it
could be about this alliance with an Islamic king, Qalati has
subtle and far-reaching contacts, and he helps you in many
ways. In return, you supply him with a line of contact
in Europe, and with some assistance with his military needs.

In addition to the political advantages, Qalati offers many
trade opportunities. The following are the rates of
exchange he will give for each of them:
_NODE 6.retry.
_NODE n18783.

Do you send him:
[a] a golden necklace set with a large ruby (1 Gold).
[b] a collection of well-made composite bows (1 Wood).
[c] a variety of local foodstuffs and delicacies (1 Food).
[d] a set of fine swords, helms and bucklers (1 Iron).
[e] nothing, except your best wishes.
_NODE 6.trade.

For 4 Gold he will give 2 Iron, 2 Food or 1 Wood.

For 2 Iron he will give 4 Gold, 1 Food or 1 Wood.

For 1 Food he will give 3 Gold, 1 Iron, or 1 Wood.

For 1 Wood he will give 4 Gold, 2 Iron, or 1 Food.

Do you wish to trade:
[a] 4 Gold.
[b] 2 Iron.
[c] 1 Food.
[d] 1 Wood.
[e] Nothing.
Are you certain that you wish to trade nothing?

[a] yes.
[b] no.
_NODE 6.gold.
_NODE n18785.
You do not have enough gold.
Do you want to trade for:
[a] Iron.
[b] Food.
[c] Wood.
Do you wish to trade more?
[a] Yes.
[b] No.
_NODE 6.iron.
_NODE n18786.
You do not have enough iron.
Do you want to trade for:
[a] Gold.
[b] Food.
[c] Wood.
Do you wish to trade more?
[a] Yes.
[b] No.

-------------
Cluster: 1879
-------------

_NODE 1aaa.
_NODE n18790.
{Your Majesty, I am afraid that a few of your nobles are ignoring your
order to Mercurato, and are going ahead with construction on his ships.
He seems to be taking this as encouragement to ignore you.}

Do you:
[a] order Mercurato arrested.
[b] have the explorer exiled from your kingdom.
[c] take over his patronage yourself.
Karl Mercurato, and his mysterious map, ride out of your
kingdom, never to be seen again. You manage to reclaim most
of the monies he had begun to spend on his expedition,
but not all. Your nobles are not happy with what
they perceive as interference in their personal affairs.
_NODE 1aab.
_NODE n18791.
Karl Mercurato comes to speak with you again.

{I am not trying to cause you difficulties, my lord. But I must
assemble this expedition soon; otherwise, surely you great lords
shall make it impossible for me. This is the chance of a lifetime!}

Do you:
[a] throw Mercurato in jail.
[b] exile him from your lands.
[c] offer him a position in your court, and promise that when you are
King of Bretagne he shall have his expedition.
You throw Mercurato into your dungeons. While he disobeyed
you, this punishment is felt to be excessive by those who know the
man, and you are seen as something of a tyrant.
Karl Mercurato, and his mysterious map, ride out of your
kingdom, never to be seen again. You manage to reclaim most
of the monies he had begun to spend to put his expedition
together, but not all. Your nobles are not happy at what
they see as interference in their personal affairs.
Mercurato is honored by your offer, and accepts it. He
becomes a loyal advisor, teaching you much that is useful in the
day-to-day management of your kingdom.
_NODE 1aac.
_NODE n18792.
Karl Mercurato is brought before you.

{Have mercy, Your Majesty! I meant no harm! I am driven by my curiosity
over all things, and it drove me past sense in this pursuit of Prester
John.}

Do you:
[a] have him thrown in the dungeon for disobeying you.
[b] free him with his promise to forget about the map.
[c] exile him from your lands.
You throw Mercurato into your dungeons. While he disobeyed
you, this punishment is felt to be excessive by those who know the
man, and you are seen as something of a tyrant.
You free Mercurato, and he is grateful. He stays in the
kingdom and becomes a loyal advisor, teaching you much that is useful
in the proper governance of your kingdom.
Mercurato and his map leave your kingdom, never to return.
Before he leaves, he repays his lenders as best he can.
While a few merchants are unhappy, he is soon forgotten.
_NODE 1abc.
_NODE n18793.
Mercurato claims he will need 3,000 marks.

Do you:
[a] pay the 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[b] pay 2 Gold.
[c] pay 1 Gold.
[d] tell him that you are not interested.

-------------
Cluster: 1880
-------------

_NODE 2.1ad.
_NODE n18800.
A messenger arrives at your castle.

{I bring greetings from Sir Estes, Your Majesty. As you have
requested, he has continued the search for Prester John. So
far, he has had little success. His supplies and funds for
guides and material grow low. He asks to know your
wishes.}

Do you:
[a] send him another 1 Gold and 1 Food.
[b] command him to return to you.
{You do not possess enough supplies, Your
Majesty. I will tell Sir Estes to return.}
{Very good, Your Majesty. I will arrange for
the shipment.}
{Very well, Your Majesty. I will tell Sir Estes to
return.}
{I bring good news, Your Majesty! Sir Estes has found a place
where much ivory lays about. He is having his men gather such
as they can, and they shall return with the bounty.}
As promised, Sir Estes returns triumphantly with much ivory.
The realm's coffers are filled and the people are thrilled with
the stories of the man's travels.
_NODE 2.1ada.
_NODE n18801.
{Your Majesty, I have good news! Sir Estes and his men have found a
source of diamonds! They are trading with some of the natives for
help in collecting them, and will soon return.}
Sir Estes arrives, haggard, and with only a fragment of his force.

{Even in success, we find failure, Your Majesty. We collected many of
the diamonds to be found upon a certain beach, and began to
travel back. It was not until reaching our ships that we discovered
that our men had caught a fever from the natives. Soon, all of us grew
deathly ill. Only a remnant recovered.}
The diamonds help to fill your coffers, but the terrible story of the
fever makes many question whether the expedition was worth the cost.
_NODE 2.1adb.
_NODE n18802.
{Dreadful news, Your Majesty. The explorers encountered a tribe of man-eating
savages, and only a few escaped. I am sorry to report that Sir Estes was not
among them.}

-------------
Cluster: 1881
-------------

_NODE 3aaa.
_NODE n18810.
You do not have enough food.

Do you:
[a] give him 3 Gold and tell him to purchase food.
[b] tell him that you have given him all the supplies you can
afford.
You do not have enough gold.
{Your Majesty, I understand your situation.
Perhaps we can try this again some day, when
you are more able to spend on exploration.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular
at your court. His knowledge proves
valuable, and he teaches you much that
proves useful in the daily administration
of your realm.
{Very well, Your Majesty; if I cannot find
it all here, perhaps I can buy enough to survive
until a trading opportunity arises.}
{Your Majesty, I understand your situation. Perhaps
we can try this again some day, when you are more
able to fund such nonessentials.}

Mercurato stays and becomes a regular at your
court. His knowledge proves valuable, and he teaches
you much that proves useful in the daily
administration of your realm.
{Very good, Your Majesty. I hope that this will be the last
problem in setting up this matter. I should be ready to leave
at some time within the next two weeks.}
_NODE 3aab.
_NODE n18811.
You do not have enough gold.

Do you:
[a] give him 3 Food.
[b] tell him that you have given him all the supplies you can
afford.
You do not have enough food.

{Your Majesty, I understand your situation.
Perhaps we can try this again some day, when
you are able to focus on such exploration.}

Mercurato stays and becomes a regular
at your court. His knowledge proves
valuable, and he teaches you much that
proves useful in the daily administration
of your realm.
{Very good, Your Majesty. I hope that this
will be the last problem with setting up
my expedition. I should be ready to depart
within two weeks.}
{Your Majesty, I understand your situation. Perhaps
we can try this again some day, when you are more
willing to invest in nonessentials.}

Mercurato stays and becomes a regular at your
court. His knowledge proves valuable, and he teaches
you much that proves useful in the daily
administration of your realm.
{Very good, Your Majesty. Even if I cannot buy all that I need
here, surely this will allow me to purchase the food we
will need along the way.}
_NODE 3aac.
_NODE n18812.
{Your Majesty, I understand your situation. Perhaps we can try this
again some day, when you are more free to use your resources on exploration.}

Mercurato stays and becomes a regular at your court. His knowledge
proves valuable, and he teaches you much that proves useful in the
daily administration of your realm.
_NODE 3fin.
_NODE n18813.
Mercurato comes to you, smiling triumphantly.

{Your Majesty, we are finally ready! We can sail within days, to seek
Prester John!}

Do you:
[a] wish him Godspeed and tell him to keep you informed.
[b] send Sir Estes to accompany him.

-------------
Cluster: 1882
-------------

_NODE 4e.
_NODE n18820.
A rider comes in to see you.

{Terrible news, Your Majesty! This paynim king took your lack of a gift
as a great insult! Your men fought bravely, but only a scattering of them
escaped!}

As might be expected, the people are very dispirited by this event.
_NODE 4aa.
_NODE n18821.
A rider comes in to see you.

{Terrible news, Your Majesty! This paynim king became annoyed at the
persistence of Sir Estes! Your men fought bravely, but only a
scattering of them escaped!}

As might be expected, the people are very dispirited by this event.
_NODE 5c.
_NODE n18822.
A messenger comes from your explorers, bearing word from Sir Estes.

{Greetings, my liege. It seems that both I and Mercurato were right in
a way. The 'great warrior' is indeed a tribal chieftain, named Tulak.
But, while no Prester John, he is an unusual man. Although his men are only
equipped with short spears and hide shields, they show discipline and
bravery that I wish I could see in our own men. They also show a sense of
tactics that the Romans would have respected.}

{He is very interested in our archers and their bows, and wants me to
leave them to train his men in how to make and use a bow.}

Do you:
[a] tell him to leave the men with Tulak.
[b] order him to look into the {place of the cross}.
[c] order him to find the place with great buildings.
[d] tell him to return to you.
_NODE 5a-fin.
_NODE n18823.
A great mob of excited people comes out to greet the approaching folk.
It is the expedition. They return...leading wagons full of gold and
books!

The pyramids and edifices of the lost land contained jewelry and
many of the books of the ancient Aegyptians, showing their engineering
arts. Mercurato says that, with study, he is certain that many of the ideas
may be applied to your works. Your nobles are pleased, and the
people are excited.
_NODE 5c-fin.
_NODE n18824.
You come out on your balcony to investigate a great commotion below.
You discover a long line of fighting men coming up the road. Most you
recognize as your own men...the explorers! But who are the
dark-skinned warriors with them?

In a few minutes, you are speaking to an excited Sir Estes.
{...I thought at best they would send us home with some ivory, Your
Majesty, but Tulak felt that, if the great chief was to
leave his warriors with Tulak, it was only fair that Tulak send some of
his warriors to the great chief. I know that there are those who will not
like having these savages among us, but they are actually quite well
disciplined...I heard Tulak tell them to obey you 'unto death and
beyond' before we left...and look at the size of them! Once we teach
them about armor and how to use a sword properly, they will make infantry
like no one has ever seen...}

-------------
Cluster: 1883
-------------

_NODE 6.food.
_NODE n18830.
You do not have enough food.
Do you want to trade for:
[a] Iron.
[b] Gold.
[c] Wood.
Do you wish to trade more?
[a] Yes.
[b] No.
_NODE 6.wood.
_NODE n18831.
You do not have enough wood.
Do you want to trade for:
[a] Iron.
[b] Food.
[c] Gold.
Do you wish to trade more?
[a] Yes.
[b] No.
_NODE THE END.
_NODE n18832.
_NODE THE END2.
_NODE n18833.
One of your advisors comes up to you.

{Majesty, I have heard many people saying that you are spending too
much time with foreign affairs and this so-called Prester John
person. You should devote more time to things that are closer to
home.}

Reluctantly, you put the African matter behind you, and await new
challenges.

-------------
Cluster: 1884
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n18840.
After a council meeting, a small, officious-looking fellow in
church regalia comes up to you.

{Your Majesty, could you spare a few moments of your time? I wonder,
do you recall which of my brethren handled the paperwork for the
demolition of the old chapel to build the new wing of your castle.}
With furrowed brow, you give him a puzzled stare. Frowning, he
squints with a faintly suspicious air.

{Surely you spoke with a Church representative before demolishing the
chapel. Without official approval, the new wing technically
would be on a piece of
land owned by the Church...and the consequences of that
could be grave!}

Do you:
[a] tell the clerk to leave and stop bothering you with this trivial
business.
[b] tell him you will look into the matter, but actually dismiss it.
[c] ask him to find out what you need to do and report his findings.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE n18841.
{As you will, Your Majesty!}
A courier arrives with a rather blunt message from the local bishop.
He demands that you come to the cathedral at once to
answer the serious charge of stealing church land!

Do you:
[a] tell the bishop that he must come to you.
[b] visit the bishop to unravel this mess.
[c] write the bishop a letter explaining the situation.
_NODE 1b.
_NODE n18842.
{Very well, Your Majesty. But you must attend to this matter;
if not, your relations with the Church could suffer severely!}
You receive a visitor...Cardinal Victor, a friend from childhood.
The pleasant visit lasts for some time, since you have not seen
the old gentleman in years.
Finally, he slowly arises from his chair, saying,
{...or so I told him, at least. By the way, dear boy, one of my nephews
is a bookkeeper for the Bishop. He mentioned that there had been some
irregularity about that fine new tower of yours being built on Church
land. You have dealt with the problem, no doubt?}

Do you:
[a] admit that you have been negligent.
[b] say that you have taken care of the situation.
[c] tell him you have investigated, but have not been able to uncover
anything.
_NODE 1c.
_NODE n18843.
{I shall be more than happy to investigate, Your Majesty.}
The Church clerk returns, and requests an audience with you.

Do you:
[a] grant him an audience.
[b] tell him you have no time to speak with him.
[c] have your seneschal tell him that you are unavailable.
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE n18844.
Your bishop comes to visit you, scowling.

{What is this business about building on Church property? Do you not
realize that you threaten your stature with the
the Church? Perhaps you feel that a great lord such as yourself
has no need for the Church! Well, God shall make you see otherwise!}

Do you:
[a] attempt to pacify the bishop, and explain the situation.
[b] tell him he cannot speak to you in that manner,
and have him thrown out.
[c] coldly explain the situation with no apologies.
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE n18845.
You find you must dispense with several tasks before you have time
to visit the bishop.
You gather a small party one misty morning, and ride over
the nearby hills to the cathedral. Upon arrival, you stride
confidently into the bishop's chambers.

{Ah, Majesty, I assume you are here to explain why you have decided
to construct your new tower on Church property.}

Do you:
[a] patiently explain how the situation has become overblown.
[b] ask when the Church's permission became a requirement to build
on your own land.
[c] explain that you had no indication that such a problem existed.
_NODE 1ac.
_NODE n18846.
You send the messenger on his way with your letter to the bishop in
hand.
The bishop's courier returns with further communication.

{Your Majesty:}
{Profound apologies for my previous note; my clerk had implied that you
were being willful on this matter. I will speak to him about
exaggeration.

{However, this matter does require your attention. Some
within the Church would consider this a deliberate slight on
your part.}

Do you:
[a] draft a letter to the Pope.
[b] entreat the bishop to write to the Pope on your behalf.
[c] forget about the matter.
_NODE 1ba.
_NODE n18847.
The cardinal shakes his head sadly.

{How can one in your position be so casual? You must
be more heedful in such matters. The property technically
belongs to the Church, just as the new chapel does. You may
feel that, since you have effectively given the Church the new area,
that all scores have been settled. I warn you, some in the Church
would disagree.}

Do you:
[a] write a letter to the Pope explaining the situation.
[b] ask your bishop to write a letter to be delivered by the Cardinal.
[c] forget about the matter.
_NODE 1bb.
_NODE n18848.
The Cardinal gazes upon you with a hint of sadness,
indicating that he is well aware of your lies.
Yet he breaches the subject no further.

-------------
Cluster: 1885
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE n18850.
{Thank you for your time, Your Majesty. I have determined that the
bishop normally handles land dealings of this magnitude.
However, since you did not make arrangements with the Church before
"beginning construction, several members of the Church must be "
appeased.

Do you:
[a] ask the clerk to go to the Pope on your behalf.
[b] ask your local priest to handle the matter.
[c] tell one of your more pious knights to handle it.
_NODE 2a.
_NODE n18851.
{Very good, Your Majesty. I will need a document with your signature,
assigning me the right to act and make decisions in your name.}

Do you:
[a] generate the paperwork and dismiss him.
[b] tell him that you will not give him such authorization.
{Very good, Your Majesty. I will attend to the matter at
once.}
{I simply CANNOT proceed further without that document, Your
Majesty!}

Do you:
[a] give him the document.
[b] send your priest instead.
[c] send one of your more pious knights instead.
{Very good, Your Majesty. I will attend to the
matter at once.}
_NODE 2b.
_NODE n18852.
Father Jenre, your personal priest, enters your chambers.

{Majesty, I understand the situation and am more than willing to
help. The trip will keep me away for some time; thus, I have made
arrangements with
Father Klein to take care of the spiritual needs of your court.
He is a good man, if a trifle overzealous.}

He turns to leave, hesitates, and faces you once again.
{Ah, I had almost forgotten. Sire, I believe a document authorizing
me to act on your behalf may prove useful.}

Do you:
[a] give him such a document.
[b] tell him such papers are unnecessary and send him on his way.
_This is a marker letting me know if the priest has the document
_later.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE n18853.
Sir Ranchone arrives.

{I have ever wanted to include the Papal See on my pilgrimages,
my liege. Thank you for this opportunity. Is there naught else
to attend to, ere I depart?}

Do you:
[a] give him a document authorizing him to act in your name.
[b] simply send him on his way.
_This is a marker letting me know if the priest has the document
_later.
_NODE 2aa.
_NODE n18854.
The church clerk returns to you from the Pope.

{Your Majesty, after lengthy discussion, the authorities and I were
able agree on terms for settlement of this issue.
If you send the Church 5,000 marks
to indicate your contrition, your reputation with the Church will
be redeemed.}

Do you:
[a] pay the 5,000 marks (5 Gold).
[b] refuse to pay anything.
[c] imprison the clerk for exceeding his authority.
_NODE 2ba.
_NODE n18855.
As you explain the matter...
One of your advisors comes to you.

{Your Highness, the new priest, Father Klein,
has been annoying the nobles to no end, criticizing
their ways, and telling them they are certain to go to
Hell. One baron came within a hair's breadth
of throttling him.}

Do you:
[a] summon Father Klein and insist that he be less
emphatic.
[b] tell the nobles not to be so sensitive.
[c] ignore the situation.
_NODE 2ca.
_NODE n18856.
{I am proud and honored to serve Your Majesty in this.}
{Your Majesty! A small army is approaching your lands,
and they do not appear to be on a mission of friendship!}

When you ride out to investigate, a
herald of the force rides up to you.

{I speak for Earl Malvin of Kasinon. Earl Malvin has been
insulted and attacked by a knight bearing the name
Ranchone, who claims that he acts in your name. You will
pay for this indignity, either in blood or gold!}

Do you:
[a] pay the 5 Gold Malvin is asking.
[b] tell him that Ranchone was acting on his own,
and Malvin may exact any punishment on him that he sees
fit.
[c] battle Malvin's army.
_NODE 2aaa.
_NODE n18857.
You lack sufficient gold to pay the fee the Church
requests. The bishop is sympathetic, but you are
still in bad graces with the Church.
The Pope is reportedly very pleased with this sign of
piety on your part. Further, word of your adept handling
of this delicate situation travels
among your nobles and the people.
_NODE 2aab.
_NODE n18858.
{You realize that the Church will not be pleased.}

{However, if that is your will, Sire.}

While there are no obvious repercussions from your unwillingness to
pay the fee, you get the distinct impression that you are not in
favorable standing with the Pope.
_NODE 2aac.
_NODE n18859.
{What! But, Your Majesty, I did as you bid!
You gave me leave to make such decisions! No! Please...}

You have your guards grab the clerk firmly on each arm and escort him
to your dungeon for exceeding his authority.
The Church is not happy with this action, and even
some of your nobles consider it unjust.

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1886
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n18860.
Although he was visibly angry at first, the bishop calms down
after hearing your explanations.

{Perhaps I have misjudged you, my lord. This matter is not as serious
as I had been led to believe. You should dispatch a representative to
the Pope to clarify the situation, however.}

Do you:
[a] tell the bishop that you really cannot take time out to give much
attention to something as trivial as this.
[b] ask the bishop to take care of the matter for you.
[c] tell him that you will send your own personal priest to handle the
matter.
_NODE 3.1.
_NODE n18861.
{You will pay dearly for this slight to the Church, you who seeks the
throne of Bretagne!}
A man comes riding to your keep. He wears the regalia of a Papal
courier, and carries a message of an ominous nature.

The message reads, {Your treatment of my bishop was not justified.
I insist that you apologize to him and make a proper penance.}

Do you:
[a] immediately draft a letter of apology to the bishop.
[b] send the Pope an explanation of your actions,
stating that you intended no affront to the Church.
[c] explain the situation, and send a gift of 2,000 marks
(2 Gold) to be used for Good Works by the Church.
_NODE 3.2.
_NODE n18862.
Once you explain the matter to the bishop,
his expression slowly changes from
one of anger to one of chagrin.

{I was led to believe the situation was worse than it is,
and I apologize for my behavior. The man who supplied me with such
misinformation should be disciplined.
Would Your Majesty prefer that I deal with the punishment?}

Do you:
[a] warmly tell him that he has your permission to do so.
[b] coolly agree that he should handle these matters.
[c] sternly indicate that you are uninterested.
{As you wish.}
The bishop has dealt with the dispute.

He thanks you for the chance to make reparations
in your relationship.
Still, he remains subdued for some time around you.
Still, he never forgets your treatment of him
in this situation.
_NODE 3a.
_NODE n18863.
The bishop looks at you sadly.

{As you wish, Your Majesty. But remember, that which you find trivial
now may prove all too important in the future.}
A reply comes from the Pope, regarding the ownership of chapel land...

{The matter of the disputed land is settled. I would advise you to
address clergy in a less cavalier manner. Such disrespect is not good
for one's spiritual well-being.}
_NODE 3b.
_NODE n18864.
{I am more than happy to take care of the matter for you, Your
Majesty. I understand that other matters consume your time.}
After a good deal of time, the bishop reports on his meeting with
the Pope.

You hear that the bishop has not only taken care of the question of
the Church land for you to assuage his guilt, he has
praised you highly in his audience with His Holiness.
_NODE 3c.
_NODE n18865.
{Very well, Your Majesty, perhaps that would be best.}
_NODE 3.1a.
_NODE n18866.
You receive a reply from the bishop. He is not
particularly mollified by your apology, but agrees to
draft a letter to the Pope if you publicly apologize
for slighting the Church. You do so to avoid further
conflict, but relations with the bishop remain cool.
Some of your nobles mutter about your impotence in
dealings with the Church.
You receive a letter from the bishop, indicating that he
is mollified by your apology. Some of your nobles complain
about your weakness, but the placation of the Church is some
compensation.
_NODE 3.1b.
_NODE n18867.
You receive another message from the Pope. He apologizes for the
bishop's behavior and promises that you will hear no more about the
affair. You suspect the settlement stems mainly from
his embarrassment over the triviality of the affair.
_NODE 3.1c.
_NODE n18868.
You receive another communication from the Pope. The words virtually
burn through the paper.

The letter wags the Church's rhetorical finger in your face for not
only disregarding the matter of the Church property and insulting a
bishop, but compounding the insult by trying to buy the Church's good
graces. You are told in
no uncertain terms that the Pope is not pleased with you.

-------------
Cluster: 1887
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE n18870.
As the bishop listens, he briefly looks confused and
embarrassed. As you finish speaking, his expression hardens.

{Your intentions may not have been evil, Your Majesty,
but you have not acted appropriately in this affair.
You must send communications
to several departments, and I must file the proper paperwork on your
behalf. We both have much letter-writing to do in the next year.
I will send instructions and names
to you at the earliest opportunity.}
A packet from the bishop arrives. It contains nearly fifty Brothers,
Fathers, and even a few Sisters who require information
regarding the chapel construction. This will take a great deal of
effort...

Do you:
[a] order the purchase of more quills and ink and begin writing.
[b] assign one of your administrators to deal with the matter.
[c] set the packet aside.
_NODE 4.1.
_NODE n18871.
The bishop's expression turns frosty.

{The chapel is NOT yours to dispose of as you will, Your Majesty. It
is Church property, and you should have consulted the Church
before beginning construction on the land.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that this whole affair is ridiculous, and you will
waste no more of your time with it.
[b] say that you expected Father Jenre to take care of this matter,
and did not think any further on it.
[c] tell him that, if he is concerned about it, he should handle it
himself.
_NODE 4.2.
_NODE n18872.
The bishop looks at you blankly, then his expression clears.

{I believe Father Jenre, your priest, has been serving your family
since before your birth. That explains it. Your father was an
enthusiastic builder of castles, as you no doubt know. As such, he
was well-versed on the rules surrounding such activity.
Father Jenre must have assumed your father's wealth of knowledge had
been instilled in you. But you have never built on Church land
before, so you certainly would not know what must be done.

{This gives a different complexion to the matter. Still, you must
take action on this situation, Your Majesty.}

Do you:
[a] tell the bishop that you are too busy to give much
attention to problems as trivial as this one.
[b] ask him to take care of the
matter for you.
[c] tell him you will send your own personal priest to handle the
matter.
_NODE 4a.
_NODE n18873.
After consuming a month's time filing volumes of paperwork
on the matter of the chapel,
you realize this process is having a serious impact on your
ability to run your kingdom.

Do you:
[a] sigh and attack the latest round of letters with more fervor.
[b] assign one of your own administrators to deal with the matter.
[c] throw the papers into the air in disgust, and be done with the
whole affair.
Finally, all of the paperwork is complete. All
that your require now is a response from the Pope.
_NODE 4b.
_NODE n18874.
After about a month of reports of your administrator filing volumes
of paperwork on the matter of the chapel,
you realize this process is
having a negative impact on your ability to run your
kingdom.

Do you:
[a] send the administrator an encouraging word and continue the
paper war.
[b] tell the administrator to concern himself no more with the affair.
Finally, your administrator reports that the
paperwork is complete. All that is required now is
a response from the Pope.
_NODE 4a.1.
_NODE n18875.
A courier comes, wearing the livery of the Pope.

The message is a cordial one, penned by the Cardinal who has been
your friend since you were a boy. He thanks you for
straightening out this matter of the chapel, and calls you
a dutiful son of the Church.

-------------
Cluster: 1888
-------------

_NODE 5.
You get a cordial letter from the Pope addressing your problem. The
writer is an assistant to the Pope and indicates that His Holiness is aware
of your attention on this matter.

It also contains a list of nearly fifty Brothers, Fathers, and a few
Sisters who require information regarding the chapel construction.

Do you:
[a] order more quills and ink and begin writing.
[b] assign one of your administrators to deal with the matter.
[c] set the letter aside.
_NODE 5.1.
_NODE n18881.
{Very well, Your Majesty, I will do that as soon as possible.}
You get a cordial letter from the Pope addressing your problem. It
indicates that the bishop clarified the matter, and that the Church
absolves you of blame.

It also contains a list of nearly fifty Brothers, Fathers, and a few
Sisters who require information regarding the chapel construction.

Do you:
[a] order more quills and ink and begin writing.
[b] assign one of your administrators to deal with the matter.
[c] set the letter aside.
_NODE 5.2.
_NODE n18882.
A messenger bears a letter from the Pope!

{It has come to Our attention that you have neglected to properly
arrange for the transferal of property held in the name of the Church,
upon which you recently constructed a portion of your keep. We are
are most displeased by this, and summon you forthwith to
explain yourself.}

You can hardly afford to leave your realm at
this time.

Do you:
[a] send one of your nephews with an explanation.
[b] attempt to convince the bishop to go in your stead.
[c] write a letter apologizing and explaining the situation, and asking
what you can do to make amends.
_NODE 5.2a.
_NODE n18883.
Your nephew Faren is more than willing to go; the idea of visiting
the Pope excites him, even if it does mean having to deal with the
uncomfortable fact of possible papal wrath. You also know that Faren is
a born diplomat, and probably will deal with the matter better than you
would. You assign him a small group of knights and he sets forth.
Your nephew, Faren, returns from his meeting with the Pope.

{I wish I could say that it went well, father, but His Holiness was
very irate, and your sending me rather than coming yourself did not
improve his mood. I think I convinced him that you meant no harm or insult
to the Church, but he is still angry, and he told me to tell you his eye
shall be on you from now on.}
_NODE 5.2b.
_NODE n18884.
The bishop comes to listen to you, and frowns.

{Your Majesty, you have truly caused trouble for yourself. But you are my
countryman, so I must do what I can for you. I will leave to
go to the Pope as soon as possible.}
The bishop returns from his visit to the Pope.

{Your Majesty, I wish I could say my meeting with His Holiness went
better than it did. I did manage to convince him that it was only your
busy schedule and lack of understanding of the importance of this
situation that produced this result. He is still unhappy with you, however,
and indicated that he would be keeping an eye on you from now on.}
_NODE 5.2c.
_NODE n18885.
Another Papal messenger arrives with a letter from His Holiness.

{We are not pleased with your behavior in this matter, nor in your
defiance of our order to speak of this in person. However, we
do understand the situations that can arise in the life of a monarch.
These are no excuse when it comes to dealing with matters that pertain
to the Most High. But, in this case, perhaps no harm was done. If 5,000
marks were to be contributed to the Church for good works, we might be
inclined to let the matter rest.}

Do you:
[a] send the 5,000 marks (5 Gold).
[b] tell the Pope that you regret your inability to extend funds to the
Church at this time.
_NODE 5.2ca.
_NODE n18886.
You do not have enough Gold to send to the Pope.
You receive another message from the Pope.

{While the duties of a king to his subjects are of great
import, do not permit them to distract you from your
Christian duties to God or His Church. I pray that I
need not remind you of this again.}
_NODE 5.2ca.
_NODE n18887.
A letter comes from the Pope.

{I have encountered such stubbornness before, and never in a good
Christian. Why can you not perform your Christian duties? I find
myself highly frustrated. Kings have been excommunicated for less. I
shall consider this matter further.}

-------------
Cluster: 1889
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE n18890.
Father Jenre returns.

{Your Majesty, the matter is resolved. There was some attempt to
charge you a penalty fee, but I would not tolerate such nonsense,
since it would have been handled properly if I had only told you what
to do. Several of my brothers in the cloth were quite impressed that
you elected to give me your full authority.}
_NODE 6.1.
_NODE n18891.
Father Klein comes to see you. As you explain the complaints of your
nobles, he grows progressively more tight-lipped. When you
finally get to the point of requesting him to stop annoying them, his
speech virtually bursts from him.

{Surely you cannot expect me to tolerate this rampant immorality and
unholiness! It is my duty as a shepherd of the Faith to strike at
evil wherever I see it! The nobility of the land must hold to a higher
standard!}

Do you:
[a] let the matter pass.
[b] demand that he leave the nobles alone.
[c] ask him to let the matter go until you have become ruler
of Bretagne.
_NODE 6.2.
_NODE n18892.
There is some grumbling from the nobles, but they stop complaining after
a time.
Father Jenre comes and goes several times, needing your approval and
signature on various papers. On one occasion, your nobles come
to you again and demand that you do something about Father Klein. One
threatens to cut the man's head off unless you take action.

Do you:
[a] command them as their lord to tolerate the situation.
[b] order Father Jenre to abandon his task and return to ministering
to the castle dwellers.
[c] tell Father Klein to stop bothering them.
_NODE 6.3.
_NODE n18893.
Father Jenre comes and goes several times, needing your approval and
signature on various papers. Once, trouble erupts. Father
Klein chastises one of your knights too strongly, and the man strikes
him. The matter is brought to you; the nobles say it is the priest's
fault for his insulting behavior; the priest demands that the knight
be punished for striking a man of God.

Do you:
[a] chastise the attacker, and command the nobles to tolerate the
situation.
[b] order Father Jenre to abandon his task and return to ministering
to the castle dwellers.
[c] tell Father Klein that he instigated the attack, and order him
to stop bothering your people.
_NODE 6.1b.
_NODE n18894.
Father Klein's expression hardens.

{As you would, Your Majesty. But I will ensure that the Pope
hears of this.}
Father Jenre returns after several more visits, the last of the
paperwork done. He says that you will hear no more about it. He also confirms
that Father Klein has followed up on his threat to complain to the Pope.
_NODE 6.1c.
_NODE n18895.
Father Klein continues to look at you, tight-lipped.

{I cannot compromise my holy duty because of your mundane
obligations, Your Majesty.}

Do you:
[a] let the matter pass.
[b] demand, as his ruler, that he leave the nobles alone.
Father Klein listens to you and then slowly nods.

{I understand your situation, Your Majesty. I will endeavor
to be patient with these heathens,
rather than contribute to the strength of your enemies.}
After several fortnights, Father Jenre finally returns.

I am pleased to report that the matter is settled. You should
not be troubled again by it.
_NODE 6.2a.
_NODE n18896.
Your nobles sullenly comply with you. You cannot help but feel that
they resent you permitting the priest to ride roughshod over them.
After several more fortnights of travel, Father Jenre finally returns.
He tells you that the matter has been resolved, and should trouble
you no further.
_NODE 6term.
_NODE n18897.
{As you will, my lord. But I should warn you: there will
be consequences from this.}

-------------
Cluster: 1890
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n18900.
After many days of traveling back and forth to get your approval and
signature on various items of paperwork, Sir Ranchone returns for the
final time, to announce that the matter has been resolved. He says that you
should receive no more trouble regarding it.

Later, you hear that there were some in the Vatican who were quite
taken with the pious and energetic knight, and this reflects well on his
master.
_NODE 7.1.
_NODE n18901.
You do not have enough gold to pay the ransom. Angry at
your deception, Lord Malvin attacks.
A chagrined Sir Ranchone is returned to you. As the
story comes out, it was mostly the fault of the
impulsive knight. Lord Malvin made a passing, mildly
profane comment, followed up by a somewhat slighting
reference to your royal self. Even if it did cost you, you
cannot find it in your heart to punish the man for piety
and loyalty.

Do you:
[a] send Sir Ranchone back to the Pope without paperwork,
saying that he acts in your name.
[b] send Father Jenre, again, without the paperwork.
[c] send Father Jenre with the paperwork.
[d] forget about the matter.
_NODE 7.2.
_NODE n18902.
{Very well; any lord who would abandon his men is not worth dirtying
our swords over.}

Later on, you hear that Sir Ranchone has been locked away in Malvin's
dungeon, never to be heard from again. There is much muttering among
your nobles, particularly Ranchone's family.

Do you:
[a] send Father Jenre to the Pope without the paperwork.
[b] send Father Jenre with the paperwork.
[c] forget about the matter.
_NODE 7.3.
_NODE n18903.
You join battle with Sir Malvin!
You are victorious! Lord Malvin ransoms himself, returns
Sir Ranchone, and slinks away into the night. Your nobles
are jubilant.

Do you:
[a] send Sir Ranchone back to the Pope without paperwork,
saying that he acts in your name.
[b] send Father Jenre without the paperwork.
[c] send Father Jenre with the paperwork.
[d] forget about the matter.
You are defeated. Lord Malvin rides contemptuously away,
leaving you to attend to your dead and wounded. Sir Ranchone
is lost to his dungeons, and your people are disheartened.

Do you:
[a] send Father Jenre to the Pope without the paperwork.
[b] send Father Jenre with the paperwork.
[c] forget about the matter.
_NODE 1bc.
_NODE n18905.
{Could you not have asked your bishop, or even written me a
letter? If you felt it was too much trouble, you should simply have said
so.

{You must take action on the matter. The property was
technically Church property, as is your new chapel. You might
think that, since you have effectively given the Church the new area,
nothing more need be done. But some in the Church
would disagree.}

Do you:
[a] write a letter to the Pope explaining the situation.
[b] ask your bishop to write a letter to be delivered by the Cardinal.
[c] forget about the matter.

-------------
Cluster: 1891
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n18910.
During a meeting, one of your advisors presents some disturbing
news.

{Your Majesty, on my way into the meeting today, I heard some disturbing
news that you should know. Apparently, the nearby village of Clouseu is
suffering from an outbreak of fever. The fever seems to be growing, and people
are not recovering as quickly as they normally would.}

Do you:
[a] order the royal physician to investigate.
[b] ask the bishop to bless the
village and help it deal with this infestation of devils.
[c] order troops to quarantine the area.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE n18911.
The royal physician, Doctor Pilard, returns from his visit to the
fever-inflicted village.

{Your Majesty, I have examined the village of Clouseu. The people are
afflicted with a mysterious fever. Many of them
have been sick for more than one week. Only one has died, an old man who was
already not well. I would suggest that you post guards to warn travelers
away from the village and to prevent the villagers from going
to town, then wait to see what
occurs next.}

Do you:
[a] follow the doctor's suggestions.
[b] have the area completely sealed off.
[c] follow the doctor's suggestions, but have him monitor the
area closely.
_NODE 1b.
_NODE n18912.
Father Jenre, your priest, comes to you with a worried expression.

{Your highness, I have received news that the bishop appears to
be suffering from some sort of fever. You may recall that he went to
Clouseu to bless the people there. Apparently, he has brought their
illness back with him. One of his assistants also seems to be growing ill.}

Do you:
[a] suggest that he speak to Dr. Pilard about the situation.
[b] visit the bishop yourself.
[c] offer your condolences, but do nothing else about the matter.
_NODE 1c.
_NODE n18913.
One of the merchants of your realm comes to see you.

{Your Majesty, I must protest! Our main trade route passes through
the village of Clouseu. We cannot send or receive the shipments of goods
which are the basis of our livelihood. Please, allow us to pass through this
town. We promise not to tarry there.}

Do you:
[a] permit the merchants to travel through the village, so long
as they do not stop.
[b] give them leave to divert their caravans through your
private forest preserve.
[c] tell them that they must learn to accept this temporary situation.
{As you say, Your Majesty.}
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE n18914.
{Your Majesty, I have heard some of our guards speaking about the
village of Clouseu. Nearly
all of the villagers have had the fever. Many seemed
to get better, only to fall ill once more!}

Do you:
[a] summon your physician.
[b] summon the bishop.
[c] tell the soldiers to keep an eye on the matter and report to you.
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE n18915.
{Your Majesty, our troops in Clouseu are reporting
trouble. Some of the healthy villagers are
attempting to leave. In addition,
merchants are complaining about the road blockage, and panicked residents
of nearby towns want to burn the village.}

Do you:
[a] reinforce the troops in the area.
[b] ask the doctor to examine the area again.
[c] leave things as they are for the moment.
_NODE 1ac.
_NODE n18916.
Dr. Pilard comes riding back from his observation of the
village of Clouseu.

{Your Majesty, I am convinced that something must be done about this
village. This fever does not seem very deadly; only two people have
died of it, and both were already frail. After the residents recover,
however, they are afflicted once again. As people regain their health,
perhaps we should remove them from the village.}

Do you:
[a] send recovering villagers to a nearby town.
[b] have them sent to a temporary city of tents.
[c] simply leave them where they are and wait.
_NODE 1ba.
_NODE n18917.
Dr. Pilard comes to see you.

{Your Majesty, Father Jenre has spoken to me about the bishop. I think that
it was a great mistake not to have controlled the spread of this fever. The
bishop and his folk caught it from just an hour or two among the
villagers--perhaps just from touching an ill one. Unless you control
this, I believe that we will have illness everywhere soon.}

Do you:
[a] order the area completely interdicted.
[b] have your soldiers prevent people from leaving, but allow merchants
passage, and have you physician keep an eye on them.
[c] burn the village and send the people into the lands of one of your
enemies.

-------------
Cluster: 1892
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE n18920.
A yeoman comes to see you.

{Y'majesty, I'm from Rachine, the town nearest Clouseu. A lot of us
have relatives that live in Clouseu, and we're worried about 'em. If
they's all sick in there, pretty soon they's gonna be out of food.
It's not right to just let 'em starve in there, m'lord.}

Do you:
[a] permit the people of Rachine to deliver food to the
villagers as long as they maintain their distance.
[b] arrange to deliver food to them yourself.
[c] tell them that your strict policies are for the best.
_this is to let me know the decision on this one, later.
{As you say, yer highness.}
_NODE 2a.
_NODE n18921.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE n18922.
A messenger from the merchants comes.

{Your Majesty, we have been traveling through Clouseu, and have noticed
something that you should know. Something is very wrong. Although every one
of the villagers has had the fever, and many seemed to recover,
now they are getting sick again!}

Do you:
[a] summon your physician.
[b] summon the bishop.
[c] tell the soldiers to keep an eye on the matter and report to you.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE n18923.
{Your Majesty, I have been receiving reports that many of the merchants
are very unhappy about the situation with the road through Clouseu.}

Do you:
[a] permit the merchants to travel through the village as long
as they do not stop.
[b] give them leave to divert their caravans through your
private forest preserve.
[c] tell them that your actions are for the good of all Bretagne.
_NODE 2aa.
_NODE n18924.
{Your Majesty, there are rumors that some of
the people of Rachine now suffer from the fever first felt in Clouseu.}

Do you:
[a] order them to stop taking food to the village, and send
those who are ill to Clouseu.
[b] order those who are ill to be sent to
Clouseu, and take over the job of sending food yourself.
[c] order those who are ill to be sent to Clouseu, but allow the people
of Rachine to continue their deliveries of food.
_NODE 2aaa.
_NODE n18925.
A messenger comes riding in with great urgency.

{This is dreadful, Your Majesty! The people of Rachine are rioting because
of your poor treatment of their cousins in Clouseu. The merchants are
supporting them because you closed the road!}

Do you:
[a] send troops to put down the riot and take control of the situation.
[b] speak to the people and try to calm them.
[c] ask the Church to intervene on your behalf.
_NODE 2aac.
_NODE n18926.
Over many weeks, the fever slowly fades away. Your people seem relieved
that the losses are slight, and give credit to your handling of the
affair. The Church also sends word that they
appreciate your merciful manner during the crisis.

-------------
Cluster: 1893
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n18930.
Doctor Pilard comes to see you. When he hears of the situation, he says
that he must examine the village before he
can make any suggestions.

Do you:
[a] send him to the village.
[b] send for the bishop.
[c] forget about the matter.
_NODE 3a.
_NODE n18931.
Your royal physician returns.

{Your Majesty, I believe that the best solution is to remove
people from the village as they recover, then burn the village.
Once they recover, the people experience a short period of good health before they
fall ill once again. Removing them from their diseased surroundings may help.}

Do you:
[a] do what the physician asks.
[b] burn the village and send the diseased people to one of your
enemies.
[c] wait to see what occurs.
_NODE 3aa.
_NODE n18932.
Time passes, and the people of Clouseu slowly regain their health. Some
of the locals are not particularly happy at how you handled the matter,
but your nobles feel that your actions were appropriate. You have learned valuable
lessons about the administration of your kingdom.

-------------
Cluster: 1894
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE n18940.
The bishop comes to see you. After hearing about the situation, he
frowns.

{Your Majesty, this village is clearly infested with devils.
It would be best if I were to go to Clouseu and conduct an
exorcism.}

Do you:
[a] tell the bishop to go ahead and exorcise Clouseu.
[b] summon your royal physician.
[c] do nothing.
_NODE 4a.
_NODE n18941.
A messenger comes riding in. He reports that the village is
no different than before the exorcism.

Do you:
[a] call for the bishop again.
[b] call for the royal physician.
[c] wait to see what happens.
_NODE 4aa.
_NODE n18942.
The bishop returns to speak with you.

{Your Majesty, this is a frightful sign. A human infernal agent must be
working in Clouseu. We must root out this evil presence before the village can
recover.}

Do you:
[a] assist the bishop in searching for the evildoer.
[b] tell him to forget it.
_NODE 4ac.
_NODE n18943.
{As you will, Your Majesty. But remember what I have told you.}
A messenger comes with word that the bishop is ill.

Do you:
[a] send Dr. Pilard to see him.
[b] visit the bishop yourself.
[c] offer your condolences, but do nothing about the matter.
_NODE 4aaa.
_NODE n18944.
Word comes to you that the search for an infernal agent has located
a woman, believed to be a witch, living near Clouseu.

Do you:
[a] try the woman as a witch.
[b] exile her from your lands.
[c] order that she be left alone.
_NODE 4aca.
_NODE n18945.
Dr. Pilard returns from his visit to the bishop.

{Your Majesty, our good bishop seems to be holding up under the fever
fairly well, though as usual he is not as appreciative of my efforts as
I could ask. I have been thinking about Clouseu. I believe that the
best approach is to remove people from the village as they get
better, then burn the village.
Once they recover, the people experience a short period of good health before they
fall ill once again. Removing them from their diseased surroundings may help.}

Do you:
[a] follow Dr. Pilard's suggestion
[b] wait on events.
_NODE 4aaaa.
_NODE n18946.
The woman is convicted of witchcraft and is hanged. Even at the end,
she claims to be innocent.
_NODE 4aaab.
_NODE n18947.
You banish the woman from your lands. The people seem satisfied by this
solution.
_NODE 4aaac.
_NODE n18948.
There are mutterings and complaints about the release of the suspected
witch, but they die down quickly.
_NODE 4aaac.
_NODE n18949.
One of your advisors reports to you:

{Majesty, I regret to say that the fever situation in Clouseu has not
improved.}

-------------
Cluster: 1895
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n18950.
A soldier comes from Clouseu.

{Majesty, this matter is becoming critical. People in
neighboring villages and towns speak of
taking action against us. You must not allow that to happen.}

Do you:
[a] order the village burned and the people sent in exile to the lands
of one of your enemies.
[b] order the people put to the sword and the village burned.
[c] let events take their course.
_NODE 5b.
_NODE n18951.
With the village eliminated, the danger of the fever is gone. But the
relatives of the villagers will not forget this. Moreover, your nobles
are horrified, and the Church is not pleased.
_NODE 5c.
_NODE n18952.
Your people burn out the village.

The fever is gone, but your lack of control in your realm is obvious.

-------------
Cluster: 1896
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE n18960.
The villagers manage to overrun your troops and escape from the Clouseu
area. Your populace degenerates into pandemonium.

Do you:
[a] send more troops into the region to maintain control.
[b] tell the populace to report any cases of fever that they see.
[c] let events take their course.
_NODE 6a.
_NODE n18961.
Your troops manage to keep matters partially under control, but
great unrest persists in the area.

Do you:
[a] tell the soldiers to get matters under control at any cost.
[b] send the clergy to locate the ill and separate them out.
[c] let matters take their course.
_NODE 6b.
_NODE n18962.
Your order brings the ill out of hiding, but only at the cost of a
nearly hysterical hunt for the fevered. While this allows you to
prevent the spread of the fever, and helps bring the epidemic
to an end, it leaves much disquiet in your kingdom.
_NODE 6aa.
_NODE n18963.
Your soldiers bring the situation under control, but only at the
price of many deaths. The epidemic slowly ends.
_NODE 6ab.
_NODE n18964.
The clergy manage to separate off the sick from the general populace
without too much disruption and fear. As the epidemic fades, the people
are grateful for this care, and Church appreciates that you trusted them
in this matter.
_NODE 6ac.
_NODE n18965.
The epidemic and chaos near Clouseu fades, but not before the people have
mourned the deaths of many villagers.

-------------
Cluster: 1897
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n18970.
Rumors abound of fever in the lands of Valois.
The fever seems to have left Valois. Rumors of
your involvement reach the Church. The
Pope is not pleased.
Rumors abound of fever in the lands of Anjou.
The fever seems to have left Anjou. Rumors of
your involvement reach the Church. The
Pope is not pleased.
Rumors abound of fever in the lands of Aragon.
The fever seems to have left Aragon. Rumors of
your involvement reach the Church. The
Pope is not pleased.
Rumors abound of fever in the lands of Burgundy.
The fever seems to have left Burgundy. Rumors of
your involvement reach the Church. The
Pope is not pleased.
Rumors abound of fever in the lands of Albion.
The fever seems to have left Albion. Rumors of
your involvement reach the Church. The
Pope is not pleased.
_NODE 7.1.
_NODE n18971.
Your troops gradually bring the situation under control, and the fever
slowly fades. But the people are not happy with your actions.
_NODE 7.2.
_NODE n18972.
The angry mob does not listen to you, and drags you away.
Your loyal nobles rescue you, and the unrest slowly resolves
itself as the fever fades...without any further action on your part.
You manage to calm the unrest, largely on raw force of
personality, and the epidemic slowly fades away.
_NODE 7.3.
_NODE n18973.
The Church manages to help you keep matters under control until the
fever epidemic fades. The Church is pleased to offer its assistance,
but some feel that this makes you appear weak.

-------------
Cluster: 1898
-------------

_NODE 8.
_NODE n18980.
Panic rages in the streets throughout your desmesne.

Rumor spreads that you have caught the fever yourself.

The rumor is true.

Do you:
[a] let one your nephews take control while you are ill.
[b] let Sir Kyle, one of your best knights, handle matters for you.
[c] keep trying to manage by yourself.
_NODE 8a.
_NODE n18980.
You have recovered your health. One of your advisors enters your
chambers.

{I am glad to see you well again, my liege. Phillip handled matters
as well as he could, but I am afraid that some of your enemies
took advantage of his inexperience. Still, he is a handsome boy,
and the people loved him well.}
_NODE 8b.
_NODE n18982.
Sir Kyle handles things to the best of his abilities, but some unavoidable
confusion occurs.
_NODE 8c.
_NODE n18983.
You manage to maintain control during your illness, though not as
well as you would prefer.
_NODE 8fin.
_NODE n18984.
Your illness comes to an end, and the epidemic fades.

-------------
Cluster: 1899
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n18990.
You notice that illness is beginning to appear among
your knights and courtiers. Obviously, the fever will soon be rampant
everywhere.

Do you:
[a] order ill people to be isolated with others of their kind until they
are better.
[b] keep the fever victims separated from healthy individuals and from one another.
[c] let the fever follow its own course.
_NODE 9a.
_NODE n18991.
After several weeks, the signs of fever begin to disappear. Keeping all of
the ill together has made them easy to treat, and limited exposure to
others, while still allowing the doctors to separate them as they regained
their health.

The epidemic is over.
_NODE 9b.
_NODE n18992.
The fever drags on, but finally begins to abate. Keeping the
individual sufferers separated makes it harder to keep them isolated,
and increases deaths by making it hard for doctors to be in attendance. But it is
still better than no solution, even if there is some muttering.

The epidemic is over.
_NODE 9c.
_NODE n18993.
The fever seems as though it will never go away. With no action taken
on it, people catch and re-catch the illness, nearly bringing the kingdom
to a halt. When the fever finally passes, rumor says that your people blame
you for taking no action.

The epidemic is over.
_NODE 1bb.
_NODE 18995.
You visit the bishop and offer your condolences. The old man
does not seem to be in pain, but his attention wavers, and he is
very weak. His hand has no strength when he grasps yours in gratitude for
your visit.
_NODE 1bc.
_NODE 18996.
Several weeks have passed. You notice an alarming trend.
A number of your knights take ill, and even some of the servants are
unable to do their tasks. The fever is slowly spreading
to an extent that you would not have thought possible.

-------------
Cluster: 1900
-------------

_Bad MIN MAX in Diplo Interaction
An emissary from %t
(Relations:%d) comes with a diplomatic mission.

{I hope this is the beginning of a long and prosperous
era of peace for us both.}
{Peace is a matter of trust. May we conduct our affairs
with unblemished honor.}
{I look forward to the day when we are the closest
of friends.}
{Your friendship is cherished. May our improved
relations last a long time.}
{This is a moment of great joy for us both.}
{Let us toast our alliance, and the defeat of our
enemies.}
{His Holiness thanks you, and offers continued
prayers for better relations.}
{Thank you, lord. There is nothing better than Church
and State united under God's guidance.}
{Glory to thee, lord. Do not forget who is the King
of Kings, the One who is the Liegelord of all who
lives.}
{Well, would you rather give us %d Gold?}
{Maybe you would sign a new friendship agreement.}
{Would you accept a gift of %d Gold to improve our relations?}

You:
[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
{I bow to your diplomatic skills!}
{You need to be humbled. God is very good at
destroying the proud.}
{This lack of devotion is unfortunate. I do hope
you will prove more accomodating in the future.}
{You sadden me, lord, for I had thought thee a good
and faithful servant of God. Even kings must sacrifice
for the needs of the All-Mighty.}
{I should have expected this from one such as
you. Perhaps you would prefer our soldiers to
our diplomats. If so, we shall oblige.}
{Arrogant fool! If you will not accept our
generosity, then blood shall soon flow!}
{If you are not prepared to compromise, then I
am wasting my time. Good day to you!}
{It is unfortunate that you take our
friendship so lightly. Good day.}
{Well, perhaps some other time, you will be
in a more amiable mood.}
{Alas! I had thought our alliance was
beyond reproach! Mayhap you will change your
mind.}
{Your staff informs me that you cannot afford to keep this bargain.
I can assure you that broken promises will not improve our relations.
Good day to you.}
{But, Majesty, this crime will raise everybody against you!}

Do you:
[a] Let him go.
[b] Behead him!
You are so wise to let him go and tell everybody about
your power to master your feelings!
{Truly your heart is black and full of evil! History has
shown that the blood of Saints only strengthens the Church.
May God forgive thee for this crime.}
{We shall be avenged for this unspeakable atrocity!
Every man, woman and child in Europe will learn what
a bloodthirsty savage you are!}
{Your name shall be accursed! It shall be a bitter
thing that few will speak willingly, even when a
score of centuries have passed!}

-------------
Cluster: 1901
-------------

{We have been enemies for too long. Give us %d Gold
and we may have peace.}
{The hostilities between us might destroy us both.
Accept our offer of friendship and give peace a chance.}
{We really shouldn't be enemies. Why not accept our generous offer
of %d Gold and allow peace to flourish.}

You:
[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Kill him.
{In spite of your treacherous nature, we want to give you
a chance to show your goodwill.
Give us a mere %d Gold and we may improve our relations.}
{The hatred between us must end. Accept our offer
of friendship and show that you are civilized.}
{I have seen your evil intentions toward us;
do you have the courage to make peace?
We offer you %d Gold as a gift of friendship.}

You:
[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Kill him.
{It is always good to visit a neighbor.
If you would offer us a gift of %d Gold,
I am certain our relations will be even closer.}
{We wish to improve our relations. We hope that you will
accept our message of friendship and peace.}
{Would you accept a gift of %d to improve our relations?}

You:
[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Kill him.
{Thank-you for greeting us, your lordship. I am aware that our
relations could be better; a gift of %d Gold from you
would demonstrate your goodwill.}
{We have come to offer you a message of peace and friendship.
Will you accept it?}
{We have come to offer you a gift of %d, in the hopes
that we may both prosper and become better friends.}

You:
[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Kill him.
{Your lordship, we are good friends and strong allies, but you can
never have a friendship that is too strong. Perhaps an offer of %d
Gold would prove that you do not take us for granted.}
{It is wonderful to greet such a noble ally. Accept our friendship
pledge, and celebrate the brotherhood of princes.}
{Greetings, lord! It is sometimes the habit of strong alliances to
crumble; we offer you a gift of %d in the spirit of eternal
friendship, and a love that can never be destroyed!}

You:
[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Kill him.
{Your lordship, we have been the best of friends and allies, but
that time may be coming to an end. Please remove these doubts
with a generous offer of %d Gold.}
{Please accept our offer of
friendship. After all, we are friends, aren't we?}
{Welcome, friend! So that you do not forget our glorious alliance
we give you a gift of %d Gold, as a salute to your greatness! Long
may you live!}

You:
[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Kill him.
_HOSTILEPOPE .
{You are apostate, sundered from Christ by excommunication.
But his capacity to forgive is infinite. Give us %d Gold
and show your willingness to live with God.}
{You have been laid low by his Holiness's righteous. However, he
wishes you to know that he prays for you constantly.
Will you accept his best wishes?}
{His Holiness means you no malice, even in your disgrace.
He offers a gift of %d Gold, to show his
hope for your redemption.}

You:
[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Kill him.
_NEUTRALPOPE .
{Welcome, lord. Your sins have not gone unnoticed, but the Pope will
take penance and grant thee an Indulgence for %d Gold.}
{Greetings Lord. The Pope will improve his relations with you,
provided that you promise to strive to be a true Christian prince.}
{His Holiness has watched your attempts to be a goodly Christian.
He offers a gift of %d Gold, to demonstrate his faith in you.}

You:
[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Kill him.
{Greetings, lord. The Church is in desperate need, and it is the
duty of its friends to help it. Your gift of %d Gold will advance the
cause of Christ.}
{Greetings Lord. The Pope wishes to offer you a benediction of faith
and friendship, in honor of one who serves Christ well.}
{Thou art the pearl of Christendom,
and likely to be a great Christian King.
His Holiness wishes to aid thy cause, with a gift of %d Gold.}

You:
[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Kill him.

-------------
Cluster: 1910
-------------

_Bad MIN MAX in Merchant Interaction
A merchant from %v wishes to trade
some of his %t for some of your
%u.

Do you wish to see him?

[a] Yes.
[b] No.
{Greetings Majesty! I have %d
%t to offer you.
Will you give me %d
%u for it?}

[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
{I am glad to be of service to your majesty. I hope we can do
business again!}
{Well, will you give me %d
%u for the
%d
%t?}

[a] Accept.
[b] Refuse.
{You drive a hard bargain!}
{If you are as merciless to your enemies as you are to this humble
merchant, all of Christendom will soon fall to you!}
{I trust this bargain is fair, if not as rich as I had hoped.}
{Your terms are not acceptable for us. Good day to you!}
{This offer would leave me without profit. I cannot accept this.
Perhaps one of your rivals would be more reasonable.}
{You drive too hard a bargain. I cannot agree to this.
Good day, majesty.}
{Majesty, what have I done to deserve these lies? Your records
clearly state that you cannot keep your promises!}
{Your records indicate that you cannot keep your promise. I have
no tolerance for liars, whether they be king or commoner!}
{Alas, majesty, your seneschal says that you cannot meet your
promise at this time. I cannot feed my family on promises alone.
Perhaps your word will be more reliable another day.}
{Majesty, your merchant has
returned and says that %t does not own
that land anymore.}

-------------
Cluster: 1920
-------------

{Majesty, our troops are at the border of %t
and ready to attack the local lord.}
and ready to attack %u. All we need is your order.}
{Majesty, our troops are ready to attack %t
and append it to your realm.}
and defeat the army of %u.}
{Majesty, our forces are positioned near %t
and await your command.}
and are ready to attack the army of %u.}

[a] Proceed.
[b] Recall them.
{Majesty, our garrison at %t has sent word to us!
%u is invading our lands. Battle will soon be joined.}
{Majesty, a messenger has come to us from %t.
The army of %u is attacking us!}
{Majesty, %u vows that
%t will be his within days.
His armies are attacking us!}
{Majesty, I regret to bring you bad news,
but %t was lost.
%u has beaten us, for now.}
{Majesty, we have been beaten.
We were too weak for the army of %u.
%t has been denied to us.}
{Majesty, our attempt to invade %t has failed.
%u is now celebrating his victory, while we bury our dead.}
We did not expect the local lord to be so strong!}
,
Valois
,
Anjou
,
Albion
,
Burgundy
,
The Pope
,
Aragon
is angered by your attack.
are angered by your attack.
{Good news, majesty!
%t honors you, the rightful ruler of Bretagne. We have
defeated the army sent by %u!}
{Majesty, the army of %u
has been vanquished. %t remains, proudly, under your banner!}
{Majesty, I am pleased to report that %u did not succeed to
seize %t. Their army was defeated.}
{Good news, majesty! We have won a great victory
against the army of %u.
The barons of %t have sworn allegiance to you.
and %t is now in your hands.}
{Majesty, %u has abandoned the land of
%t to our forces. Victory is ours!}
{Majesty, the land of %t has been abandoned
to our forces. Victory is ours!}
{People will long remember this day, my liege. We have wrested %t
from our enemy, and soon all of Bretagne will follow!}
%u was completely defeated. He is now living
in exile far away from these lands.
,
Valois
,
Anjou
,
Albion
,
Burgundy
,
The Pope
,
Aragon
is angered by your attack.
are angered by your attack.
{Majesty, I bring bad news. %t is now under the
control of %u. The battle has been lost.}
{Lost! Lost! %t now belongs to them,
%u of a thousand curses! Let the dead sleep! They are
more blessed than we!}
{Majesty, we have...
lost control of %t.
It is occupied by %u, but I am certain
we will return it soon to its proper rule.}
Given your willingness to act as a true Christian
and your generous and humble offerings, His
Holiness, Pope Innocent Benedict, has pronounced
your absolution. All censures have been lifted.
May God guide you all the days of your life.
For your sinful acts against God and His allies,
His Holiness, Pope Innocent Benedict
hereby excommunicates you from the Church. You are
denied the holy sacraments. No Christian may treat
with you. May God grant you the wisdom to repent of your sins.
{Majesty, people of %t have turned against you
and their realm is no longer in your power.}

-------------
Cluster: 1940
-------------

{Majesty, your castle in %t is now complete.}

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1941
-------------

{Majesty, the saboteur you sent to %t found nothing to destroy.}
{Majesty, the saboteur you sent to %t was successful in
destroying some grain.}
burning some of their timber reserves.}
sending some of their iron to the bottom of a lake.}
stealing some gold.}
poisoning some of their infantry.}
burning down one of their barracks, killing some of
their archers.}
killing some of their knights in their sleep.}
damaging their castle.}
_ERROR IN SABSENT INTERACTION %d
{Majesty, the saboteur you sent to %t has been caught by their guards.}
{Majesty, a saboteur has visited us. He was successful
in destroying some of our grain.}
in burning some of our timber.}
in taking some of our iron.}
in stealing some of our gold.}
in poisoning some of our infantry units.}
in killing some of our archers.}
in killing some of our knights.}
in damaging our castle.}
_ERROR IN SABRECV INTERACTION %d
{Majesty, a saboteur from %t has been caught by our guards.}
{Majesty, your saboteur has
returned and says that %t does not own
that land anymore.}
{Majesty, the saboteur you sent to %t
was struck by lightning.}
lost his money and could not continue his journey.}
was robbed by some bandits.}
took pity on a lass, and decided to marry her.}
was eaten by a bear and is not likely to return in the near future.}
broke his leg, so he abandoned his mission.}

-------------
Cluster: 1942
-------------

{Majesty, the spy you sent to %t was successful.

{He reports that %t has
%d territories, and an army
%d unit strong.
%d units strong.
The happiness of the people is %d.}
{Majesty, the spy you sent to %t has been captured by their guards.}
{Majesty, I have bad news. Do you remember that spy you sent to
%t? The guards used him for target practice yesterday.}
{Majesty, a messenger from %t has returned the spy that we sent to
him. Unfortunately, his head was no longer attached to his body.}
{Majesty, the key to the box of state papers has gone missing.
I fear that a spy has struck against us.}
{Majesty, last night one of the manservants saw a shadowy figure
rifling through some documents. It would appear that one of your
enemies has sent a spy against us.}
{Majesty, several of our guards report that they were drugged last
night. These were guards who were guarding your records. It is
almost certain that a spy is carrying critical information to our
enemies.}
{Majesty, one of your servants was seen travelling away from your
lands. I fear he was a spying for the enemy.}
{Majesty, do you remember that band of travelling gypsies that
performed for us last week? We have good reason to believe they
were spies!}
{Majesty, a spy has been caught. We have questioned him, and
determined that he comes from %t.}
{Majesty, we found a spy fleeing from our guards. He has eluded
them, but he was travelling toward %t when he lost them.}
{Majesty, you may have noticed the decoration on the tower bridge.
It was the head of a spy from %t that we recently caught.}
{Majesty, those swine from %t have the nerve to send a spy against
us! Fortunately, we have caught and killed the scoundrel.}
{Majesty, something must be done about %t. They sent not one spy, but
two spies against us. They were caught and slain, but we may need to
hire another executioner if these vermin continue to trouble us.}
{Majesty, your spy has
returned and says that %t does not own
that land anymore.}
{Majesty, the spy you sent to %t
said that the enemy was too heavily guarded and could not discover
what you needed to know.}
fell in love with your enemy's niece and abandoned your cause.}
came back with information that is clearly false. His report is
useless.}
broke his leg fleeing from the dogs that your enemy keeps in his
estate, and never got close enough to find out any secrets.}
was arrested for vagrancy, escaped from the dungeons, and is now
living as a beggar on the streets of Paris. He had no useful
information.}
was being followed by our enemy's spies, and was forced to return
to escape their notice. He had learned nothing.}
discovered that the enemy pays their spies twice what pay ours, and
now refuses to divulge any of his information.}

-------------
Cluster: 1943
-------------

{Majesty, the diplomat sent to %t has returned.
He was unable to make a deal with them.}
He was told that they don't deal with pariahs.}
{Majesty, your envoy to %t has returned. We could not reach
an affordable bargain with them, and the deal has been
nullified.}
{Majesty, I regret to inform you that the diplomat we
sent to %t was convicted of spying, and executed.
%t is now a murderer as well as a usurper!}
{Majesty, the diplomat has returned and says that %t does
not own that land anymore.}
{Majesty, the diplomat has returned and says that %t does
not deal with you since you have claimed the throne.}
{Majesty, your diplomat sent to %t returns.}
{We have improved relations, and received a gift of
%d gold.}
{We have improved relations by giving them a gift of
%d gold.}
{We have signed an agreement of mutual friendship and
goodwill.}
{Majesty, the merchant sent to %t has returned.
He was told that they don't deal with pariahs.}
He was unable to make a deal with them.}
{Majesty, the merchant has returned and says that %t does
not own that land anymore.}
{Majesty, the merchant sent to %t has returned.
He was unable to make a deal with them.}
{Majesty, your merchant sent to %t returns.
He was able to get %d
%u from them.
He paid them %d
%v.}
It is time to pay the troops.
Payment for your %d troops
is %d gold.
The troops return for payment.
Payment for your %d troops
is %d gold.

[a] Pay them.
[b] Delay a month.
You do not have enough gold.
The troops will return in a month.
It is time to feed the troops.
Feeding your %d troops
will require %d food.
The troops return for food.
Feeding your %d troops
will require %d food.

[a] Pay them.
[b] Delay a month.
You do not have enough food.
The troops will return in a month.
--Council--
Player Ranks:
%t.
%u.
%v.
%w.
%x.

All territories are safe.
%y is the only territory near revolt.
%d territories are near revolt.
%y is the most likely to revolt.

Families at War:
Valois-Anjou
Valois-Albion
Valois-Burgundy
Valois-Aragon
Anjou-Albion
Anjou-Burgundy
Anjou-Aragon
Albion-Burgundy
Albion-Aragon
Burgundy-Aragon
The word flows like fire around the land.

The Pope is considering backing %t to the throne.
The word flows like fire around the land.

The Pope has reached a decision: {%t is the new King!}
The Pope has decided not to back %t as the new king at this time.
{Majesty, Lord Byon of California has returned.

{His Lady Lara has given birth to another son, Sir Tim,
and his first born, Sir Scott, has sent us many gifts.

{The Garrabrant family wishes you luck in your quest.}

73 de KD6BCH
{Sire, Baron Sorin of Walachia comes to you,
running from political turmoil in his lands.
Lady Roxana and his son Andrei accompany him.

{You receive their best wishes and part of their treasure as a gift.}
{Your Highness, Cindy the Alchemist and her apprentice
William discovered a means of transmuting the straw
in your courtyard into gold. They added the fruits of
their labors to your treasury.

Unfortunately, their notes
were destroyed in the ensuing commotion, and they cannot
remember all of the steps in the process.}
{One side effect, however, is that their pet parakeet
was transmuted into an enormous six-foot-high bunny rabbit.
While this has incredible military potential, the annual feed
costs exceed your entire budget, so the rabbit weapon is
unlikely to be used in battle.}
Duke DeNardo has just purchased a new watchdog. Her name is Sasha.
The people rejoice. Your happiness goes up.

-------------
Cluster: 1950
-------------

{Thank you, Majesty. May your quest for King be
short and successful.}
{There are many bad rumors surfacing about you, Majesty.
I fear your quest for King will come to a quick demise.}

-------------
Cluster: 1951
-------------

_CP 1.
One of your advisors visits you.

{The man in the tin mask has escaped from the dungeon! Since he
looks exactly like you, I must ask you a question to determine
whether you are the real king!

{Where would Edward of Albion like to place his wife?} (Page 37)

Do you answer:
[a] in a nunnery.
[b] in Hell.
[c] on the throne of Aquitaine.
[d] in a kitchen.
[e] in a nursery.
[f] Edward has no wife.
_CP 2.
One of your guards sounds the alarm.

{My apologies, my liege, but the troubadour Daniel de Quaille
has escaped from the dungeon, and he is a master of disguise. I
must ask you a question to be certain that you are really my
liegelord.

{Who is the real power in Anjou?} (Page 40)

Do you answer:
[a] Queen Catherine.
[b] Lady Marie.
[c] Pere Goriot.
[d] Duke Henri.
[e] Arinseault.
[f] Count Merose.
_CP 3.
One of your councillors brings shocking news.

{Majesty, I regret to inform you that software theft has reached
epidemic proportions in the land. To combat this vile practice,
which the ignoble call piracy (to give it romantic connotations
that are most undeserved), I must ask you a question:

{How many points must a castle be to keep a province from revolting?}
(Page 13)

Do you answer:
[a] 50 points.
[b] 75 points.
[c] 100 points.
[d] 150 points.
[e] 200 points.
[f] castles don't keep provinces from revolting.
_CP 4.
One of your councillors brings shocking news.

{Majesty, I regret to inform you that software theft has reached
epidemic proportions in the land. To combat this vile practice,
which the ignoble call piracy (to give it romantic connotations
that are most undeserved), I must ask you a question:

{What is required to be able to build a catapult?} (Page 49)

Do you answer:
[a] a Military Rating of 4, and one unit of food, iron, and timber.
[b] a Military Rating of 5, and one unit of iron, timber, and gold.
[c] a Military Rating of 5, one unit of iron and timber, and one
Infantry unit.
[d] a Military Rating of 6, and one unit of iron, timber, and gold.
[e] a Military Rating of 6, one unit of timber and iron, and a
previously built ballista.
[f] a Military Rating of 7, and one unit of food, timber, and gold.
_CP 5.
One of your guards brings bad news.

{Majesty, a traveller from the East has come and will not leave
until you answer the following question:

{Who in Bretagne objects to the Bible being written in Latin instead
of Aramaic?} (Page 42)

Do you answer:
[a] Father Klein.
[b] Father Jenre.
[c] Cardinal Velchamps.
[d] Bishop Winslow.
[e] Pope Innocent Benedict.
[f] The Archbishop of Limoges.
_CP 6.
One of your councillors brings shocking news.

{Majesty, I regret to inform you that software theft has reached
epidemic proportions in the land. To combat this vile practice,
which the ignoble call piracy (to give it romantic connotations
that are most undeserved), I must ask you a question:

{Which was the third great victory for England in the Hundred Years
War?} (Page 23)

Do you answer:
[a] Agincourt.
[b] the siege of Orleans.
[c] Poitiers.
[d] Crecy.
[e] the siege of Calais.
[f] Harfleur.
_CP 7.
One of your councillors brings shocking news.

{Majesty, I regret to inform you that software theft has reached
epidemic proportions in the land. To combat this vile practice,
which the ignoble call piracy (to give it romantic connotations
that are most undeserved), I must ask you a question:

{What French King beheaded two English knights just before an agreed
truce came into effect?} (Page 32)

Do you answer:
[a] Charles III.
[b] Henri II.
[c] Louis Augustus.
[d] Francis I.
[e] Louis XI.
[f] Phillip VI.
_CP 8.
One of your advisors visits you.

{The man in the tin mask has escaped from the dungeon! Since he
looks exactly like you, I must ask you a question to determine
whether you are the real king!

{When was the Estates-General first called together?} (Page 36)

Do you answer:
[a] 1953.
[b] 1302.
[c] 1313.
[d] 1317.
[e] 1337.
[f] 1600.
_CP 9.
One of your advisors visits you.

{The man in the tin mask has escaped from the dungeon! Since he
looks exactly like you, I must ask you a question to determine
whether you are the real king!

{How many English soldiers fought at the battle of Agincourt?}
(Page 23)

Do you answer:
[a] 5,000.
[b] 8,000.
[c] 13,000.
[d] 16,000.
[e] 22,000.
[f] 50,000.

-------------
Cluster: 1952
-------------

_CP 10.
One of your guards brings bad news.

{The man in the tin mask has escaped from the dungeon! Since he
looks exactly like you, I must ask you a question to determine
whether you are the real king!

{Who would argue that the late King's claim to the throne was
rather dubious?} (Page 37)

Do you answer:
[a] Aragon and Albion.
[b] Valois and the Pope.
[c] Albion and Burgundy.
[d] Anjou and the Empire.
[e] Albion and Anjou.
[f] Burgundy and Aragon.
_CP 11.
One of your advisors visits you.

{The man in the tin mask has escaped from the dungeon! Since he
looks exactly like you, I must ask you a question to determine
whether you are the real king!

{What teachings of the Pope does Phillip, Duke of Burgundy,
dislike?} (Page 39)

Do you answer:
[a] his teachings about kindness to peasants.
[b] his teachings against greed.
[c] his teachings about Papal supremacy.
[d] his teachings against womanizing.
[e] his teachings against lying.
[f] his teachings about obeying one's parents.
_CP 12.
One of your guards sounds the alarm.

{My apologies, my liege, but the troubadour Daniel de Quaille
has escaped from the dungeon, and he is a master of disguise. I
must ask you a question to be certain that you are really my
liegelord.

{According to the official record of the Danes, where are the Danes
located?} (Page 41)

Do you answer:
[a] south of Vikingdom.
[b] east of the Empire.
[c] west of Hungar.
[d] north of the Empire.
[e] north of Bretagne.
[f] east of Flanders.
_CP 13.
One of your councillors brings shocking news.

{Majesty, I regret to inform you that software theft has reached
epidemic proportions in the land. To combat this vile practice,
which the ignoble call piracy (to give it romantic connotations
that are most undeserved), I must ask you a question:

{What is the Empire's chief goal?} (Page 41)

Do you answer:
[a] to place a puppet on the throne of Bretagne.
[b] to maintain control of the Mediterranean Sea.
[c] to keep Constantinople from falling to the Saracens.
[d] to defeat Genoa and the renegade Italian states.
[e] to destroy the Danish fleet.
[f] to prevent quarreling princes from destroying the Empire.
_CP 14.
One of your councillors brings shocking news.

{Majesty, I regret to inform you that software theft has reached
epidemic proportions in the land. To combat this vile practice,
which the ignoble call piracy (to give it romantic connotations
that are most undeserved), I must ask you a question:

{What relation is Count Charles of Valois to the late King Charles?}
(Page 37)

Do you answer:
[a] nephew.
[b] adopted son.
[c] brother.
[d] illegitimate son.
[e] cousin.
[f] Charles claims to be related, but they were not.
_CP 15.
One of your guards brings bad news.

{Majesty, a traveller from the East has come and will not leave
until you answer the following question.

{From what country did the saying: 'Zeal without knowledge is a
runaway horse.' originate?} (Page 29)

Do you answer:
[a] England.
[b] France.
[c] Germany.
[d] Spain.
[e] India.
[f] Arabia.
_CP 16.
One of your guards brings news.

{A hermit says that all hope of becoming King of Bretagne will fade
unless you can answer the following question.

{What battle saw one of the first uses of gunpowder by the English?}
(Page 21)

Do you answer:
[a] Agincourt.
[b] the siege of Orleans.
[c] Poitiers.
[d] Crecy.
[e] the siege of Calais.
[f] Harfleur.
_CP 17.
One of your guards brings news.

{A hermit says that all hope of becoming King of Bretagne will fade
unless you can answer the following question.

{How many points are required before you can petition the Pope to
declare you King of Bretagne?} (Page 34)

Do you answer:
[a] 6,000.
[b] 7,000.
[c] 7,500.
[d] 8,000.
[e] 10,000.
[f] points have nothing to do with being declared king.
_CP 18.
One of your advisors visits you.

{Majesty, you have been nominated for the {Philosopher-King of the
Year} award! Unfortunately, you must make the short list to have any
hope of being named King of Bretagne, and to make the short list you
must answer the following question:

{What lessens your chances of being cheated on the Black Market?}
(Page 11)

Do you answer:
[a] a Military Rating of at least four.
[b] policing the realm.
[c] being blessed by the Pope.
[d] an Administrative Rating of at least six.
[e] a Military Rating of at least six.
[f] none of the above.
_CP 19.
One of your guards brings a problem.

{Majesty, the bishops want to know your opinion on who is the
true Anti-Pope. Only by answering this question can you hope to
obtain the throne.

{Who is the Anti-Pope?} (Page 40)

Do you answer:
[a] Peter.
[b] Henry Robert.
[c] Innocent Benedict.
[d] Pius.
[e] Benedict Innocent.
[f] Christopher.

-------------
Cluster: 1953
-------------

_CP 20.
One of your guards brings bad news.

{The writer Victor Jugo is claiming that you are too ignorant to
be the real king. To prove him wrong, you must answer the following
question.}

{What happens when you cede a territory with a castle on it to the
Pope when you are not excommunicated?} (Page 27)

Do you answer:
[a] your relations improve by 2 points.
[b] your relations improve by 3 points.
[c] the Pope will allow you to claim the throne of Bretagne.
[d] the Pope auctions the territory to the highest bidder.
[e] your relations with everyone improves by 2.
[f] the Pope will excommunicate anyone of your choice.
_CP 21.
One of your guards brings bad news.

{Majesty, the abbot of Abbey Chanteuset needs your help with a very
important question.

{Who said: 'Four things come not back: the spoken word, the spent
arrow, time past, the neglected opportunity?'} (Page XX)

Do you answer:
[a] Victor Hugo.
[b] Ibn Al-Khattab Omar.
[c] Geoffrey Chaucer.
[d] Solomon, in Proverbs 6:13.
[e] Louis IX, after the Battle of Crecy.
[f] Francois Rabelais.
_CP 22.
One of your guards brings news.

{A hermit says that all hope of becoming King of Bretagne will fade
unless you can answer the following question.

{How many times was Rouen destroyed due to floods between 1200 and
1225?} (Page XX)

Do you answer:
[a] three times.
[b] five times.
[c] eight times.
[d] ten times.
[e] never, but it was burned down six times.
[f] Rouen was not built until 1275.
_CP 23.
One of your guards brings news.

{A hermit says that all hope of becoming King of Bretagne will fade
unless you can answer the following question.

{Who did Phillip IV rob from?} (Page XX)

Do you answer:
[a] Burgundy, Aragon and the Church.
[b] The Rich (but he didn't give to the poor).
[c] No one. He was known as Phillip the Good.
[d] Saracens, Pilgrims, and the Moneylenders.
[e] The Jews and the Templars.
[f] Henri, Duc du Vichy.
_CP 24.
One of your guards sounds the alarm.

{My apologies, my liege, but the troubadour Daniel de Quaille
has escaped from the dungeon, and he is a master of disguise. I
must ask you a question to be certain that you are really my
liegelord.

{Who said, 'The use of force alone is but temporary?'} (Page XX)

Do you answer:
[a] Charles de Gaulle.
[b] Edmund Burke.
[c] Karl Von Clausewitz
[d] Napoleon.
[e] Thomas Paine.
[f] Mao Tse Tung.
_CP 25.
One of your guards brings bad news.

{Majesty, a traveller from the East has come and will not leave
until you answer the following question.

{Between what years did the Black Death kill one-fourth of Europe's
population?} (Page XX)

Do you answer:
[a] 1346-1349.
[b] 1347-1348.
[c] 1347-1350.
[d] 1348-1352.
[e] 1349-1352.
[f] 1349-1354.

-------------
Cluster: 2000
-------------

_Rules: looking at player %d with relations > 8

-------------
Cluster: 2100
-------------

_Rules: looking at player %d with relations > 8

-------------
Cluster: 2200
-------------

_Rules: looking at player %d with relations > 8

-------------
Cluster: 2300
-------------

_Rules: looking at player %d with relations > 8

-------------
Cluster: 2400
-------------

_******** POPE Forgives Valois
_******** POPE Forgives Burgundy
_******** POPE Forgives Albion
_******** POPE Forgives Aragon
_******** POPE Excommunicates player %d

-------------
Cluster: 2500
-------------

_Rules: looking at player %d with relations > 8

-------------
Cluster: 2600
-------------

_Plague Plot Part I node n26000
_Plague Plot Part I node n26001
An archer from your army enters clinching his stomach. He
complains of shooting pains in his stomach.

{Sire,} he gasps, {The army seems to have been poisoned.
The maidens-in-training class offered to prepare a meal for the men.}

He gasps.

{Shortly thereafter, the men became violently ill.}

Do you:
[a] Fire the headmistress.
[b] Send for the headmistress.
[c] Tell him to be a good soldier and endure this hardship.
Thea, the assistant headmistress, comes to complain
about the firing of her superior.

{Sire, you are a inconsiderate boor. Elma has
served you well for many years. How can you dismiss her
so swiftly, without even so much as speaking with her?

{Elma is crying bitter tears. Have you no concern for her
feelings?

{Please reinstate her. The girls would be so happy.}

Do you:
[a] Refuse to reinstate the headmistress.
[b] Agree to reinstate the headmistress.
[c] Have Thea killed for her impudence.
{Sire, I must warn you that this will make many
people very unhappy. Especially Elma!}
{A thousand garlands of flowers at your feet,
O gracious one!}
{Sire! Please do not judge me so rashly. I only wish
the best for the kingdom.}
{I shall bring her to you, Sire.}
{Sire, may I interest you in a doggie bag?}
_Plague Plot Part I node n26002
Elma, the headmistress, arrives. Her eyes are red and swollen.

{Sire, after all I have done for you, how could you consider firing
me? If I had known that the mushrooms were spoiled, we would have
prepared stuffed zucchini instead.}

Her eyes fill with tears, and she begins to sob.

{I beg of you, Sire, do not cast me aside. I have a family to feed.}

Do you:
[a] Fire her, since she is obviously lying.
[b] Force her to pretend to resign instead.
[c] Allow her to stay.
{Sire, you are truly a heartless man!}
{Sire, I will resign, because you leave me no choice.}

Her tears now stream down her cheeks.

{This action will devastate my family.}
{Thank you, Sire. Truly, I am not worthy to remain in
your majestic presence.}
_Plague Plot Part I node n26003
Sir Derek, one of your army commanders, brings
a report on his men.

{Sire, you must fire the headmistress. This incompetent
woman is the source of this evildoing! The stomach pains of
my men continue to afflict them.

{The men will never be the same again! You must make an
example of her!}

Do you:
[a] Fire her.
[b] Force her to pretend to resign instead.
[c] Allow her to stay.
[d] Tell him that he is causing you too much pain.
{Smart move, O Great One! I am pleased that you are so sensible.}
{A clever tactic, Sire. I know that the maidens
will be fooled, for they are a silly lot. I will tell
Elma you wish to speak with her immediately.}
{You will be sorry, you moron! This woman is a menace.}
{I will return, but I fear that my message will not change. Stalling
will only worsen the situation.}
_Plague Plot Part I node n26004
Elma, the headmistress, arrives to discuss your proposition.

{So you want me to 'voluntarily' resign?

{Why should I sacrifice my reputation?

{1 Gold could persuade me to agree to this charade.}
{But, if you refuse, I will reveal to the world that you are a swine and
cannot be trusted.

{So, what will it be, big boy?}

Do you:
[a] Fire her.
[b] Allow her to stay, but do not pay her the Gold.
[c] Pay the 1 Gold and accept her resignation.
{Sire, remember that 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned'.}
{Thank you. You do have some common sense, after all.}
{Very wise, Sire. You do not want to see me angry.}
_Plague Plot Part I node n26006
Thea, the assistant headmistress, arrives.

{Oh Sire, I am thrilled to tell you all is well with the troops. The
girls felt so bad about all that has happened they personally
nursed to men back to health.

{Strange, it seemed to take some of the more handsome
men a little longer to get better than some of the more
homely boys. But I guess that is neither here nor there.

{Furthermore, the girls and I would once again like to
thank you for supporting us in this dark time.}

She bows politely and then leaves.

-------------
Cluster: 2601
-------------

_Illness: node 26010
A messenger arrives, pale and shaken

{I have dreadful news, Sire.
A terrible plague has hit the village.
Many are ill and some are near death.
Even the men in the army have been affected.}

Do you:
[a] Let them suffer.
[b] Donate used clothing for the sick.
[c] Give him 2 Gold for healing potions.
The village doctor comes to you, pleading for help.

{Sire, you must reconsider. People are dying. Even your top
military commander is ill. He may not survive the week unless
he receives proper treatment. We need gold to buy it for him.}

Do you:
[a] Apologize and give him blankets.
[b] Give him 2 Gold.
[c] Tell him to go away and stop wasting your time.
{Thank you, O generous one.}

As he leaves, he mutters,

{Fool, fool! Does he think an apology will heal the afflicted?}
{Thank you, thank you, O gracious ruler!}
{You shall be sorry.}
{Even such small gestures are appreciated. Thank you.}
{Sire, you are so generous! This will surely help.}
You don't have enough grain.

You don't have enough wood.

You don't have enough iron.

You don't have enough gold.

Your skill as a diplomat and leader is without peer.
Your people are pleased.
Congratulations on your fine management of your domain.
Your people grow happier by the day.
News is spreading about the glorious achievements of your
people under your rule. Their contentment is growing.
_Happiness went up (%d)
_Total is now %d.
_%d
People are questioning your skills as diplomat and leader.
Your people are losing faith in you.
Rumors are rife of trouble within your lands.
Your people are growing restless and uneasy.
Sadly, your image in the eyes of your people is becoming
tarnished. Their contentment is decreasing.
_Happiness went down (%d)
_Total is now %d.
_%d
_Illness: node 26012
The plague continues to devastate the village. A local doctor comes to visit you.

{Sire, you have been helpful in the past and we are in need of your
gold... er... aid again. Your top military commander has taken
ill. We need to buy healing potions.}

Do you:
[a] Donate supplies.
[b] Offer to pray for him.
[c] Give him 2 Gold.
{Is that all you can afford, Sire? Truly, these are dark times.}
{Sire, we need more than prayers.}
{Thank you, Sire. I must hurry now.}
_Illness: node 26013
One of the villagers brings a report on the plague.

{Sire, more gold is still needed to stop this gruesome plague. I hate to
ask, but could you spare a pittance for your people?}

Do you:
[a] Tell him you have given as much as you can give.
[b] Donate blankets.
[c] Give him 1 Gold.
{Sire, I am begging you. Please reconsider! Now is not the time to be stingy.}

Do you:
[a] Give 2 Gold.
[b] Have him ejected.
[c] Donate 2 horses.
{You will not regret this act of kindness. Thank you.}
He struggles with the guards as he is dragged from the room.

{You will regret this deed,} he bellows.
{You will be sorry!}
{Thank you. We will keep you informed.}
{Very well, Sire. Your gesture is welcome.}
{May God smile down upon you, Sire. Thank you.}
_Illness: node 26014
One of your army commanders arrives.

{Sire, I have grave news. Our commander has died! To whom do we turn?
What shall we do?}

Do you:
[a] Provide 1 Gold to hire a new commander.
[b] Provide 3 Gold.
[c] Tell him to plan a military funeral.
{I will do my best. However, most experienced commanders
expect more than you are willing to offer.}
{Thank you. Your wisdom in this matter shall not be forgotten.}
{A funeral? What about our leadership?}

The messenger is struck by one of the guards for his lack of respect.

{I apologize, Sire. I shall watch my tongue. I would be honored
to help with the funeral arrangements.}
_Illness: node 26015
A beautiful maiden from the village arrives, bearing good news.

{Sire, the potions seem to be working. Most are getting better
and your commander is almost out of danger! If only we had
a few more vials, all would be well once more.}

Do you:
[a] Tell her to be gone.
[b] Donate pillows.
[c] Give her 1 Gold.
{Sire, I am begging you. Please reconsider, for many lives
are at stake.}

Do you:
[a] Order her to leave.
[b] Give her 1 Gold.
[c] Give her 2 Gold.
She slumps to the floor in tears, and is dragged from the room.

{You will be sorry,} she says.
{You will be sorry!}
{Thank you,} she mutters.

{Sire, you were once so generous.}
{Your generosity shall bring great joy to your people, Sire.
Thank you.}
{Thank you,} she mutters.
{I hope they are feather pillows!}
{Thank you. You are truly a gracious ruler.}
_Illness: node 26016
A young boy offers news of the plague.

Sire, people are getting weller and weller. Thank you for
helping us. You are swell.}

Do you:
[a] Give him a toy.
[b] Tell him thanks and ask him to get out.
[c] Give him 1 Gold.
{You are not as bad as my father says. Thank you.}
{Thanks a whole lot, Mister.}
{Thank you, Sire. My family needs the money.}
_Exit Plague: node 26019

-------------
Cluster: 2602
-------------

_Excess of Grain detected
_Excess of Timber detected
_Excess of Iron detected
_Excess of Gold detected
_Lack of Military detected
_Lack of Iron detected
_Lack of Grain detected
_Excess of Military detected

-------------
Cluster: 2603
-------------

_Illness: node 26037
A beautiful maiden arrives.

{Sire, the plague has passed. The village is happy again. Thank
you for your support.}
_Illness: node 26038
One of your army commanders arrives.

{Sire, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the
plague has finally passed. The bad news is that many have died.
The village will not soon forget this tragedy.}

-------------
Cluster: 2610
-------------

_Locust: node 26100

A breathless messenger comes with news from the fields.

{O great one, a swarm of locusts is attacking our crops.
If you do not act to stop them soon, we shall have nothing to harvest.}

Do you:
[a] Spend 1 Gold for pesticide.
[b] Send for Sir Zapit, the exterminator.
[c] Tell him to stop bugging you.
{Very well, I will do my best. But 1 Gold will not buy much.}
{A wise idea, Sire. I hear Sir Zapit is the best in the kingdom.}
{Surely, you jest.}

The messenger storms out of the room mumbling,

{Such flippant behavior shall be his undoing.}
_Locust: node 26102
A local farmer enters with news about the locusts.

{Sire, the locusts are slowly dying. However, some of the farmers grow
ill from the pesticide.}

Do you:
[a] Tell him to stop pestering you.
[b] Give him 1 Gold.
[c] Send for Sir Bugoff, the exterminator.
{Sire, I am not the pest! These locusts are our mutual enemy. I
think you should reconsider.}

Do you:
[a] Order him to leave.
[b] Reconsider and give 1 Gold.
[c] Reconsider and send for Sir Bugoff, the exterminator.
{I shall return, Sire!}
{Your generosity shall surely bring an end to this infestation.}
{Sir Bugoff? Well, I suppose his services may be of some use.}
{Your generosity shall surely bring an end to this infestation.}
{Sir Bugoff? I suppose that we could call on him.}
_Locust: node 26103
{I am Sir Zapit. I hear you have a bug problem. You have come to
the right man. There is even a special on locust exterminations today!

{1 Gold will provide very effective results, but the procedures are not
quite as safe as those that can be purchased with 2 Gold.
Which would you prefer?}

Do you:
[a] Barter 10 percent of your Food for the 1 Gold package.
[b] Spend 2 Gold for the safer procedures.
[c] Send for Sir Bugoff.
{Sire, I see that you are a little stingy today. But I will
take your offer.}
{May God smile down upon you, Sire. Thank you.}
{Sir Bugoff? He is a fraud. However, I shall respect your
decision.}
_Locust: node 26104
Another villager arrives with news of the locusts.

{Sire, I have grave news. There is no end in sight to this locust
infestation. The farmers and their families grow desperate.
What shall we do?}

Do you:
[a] Send for Sir Zapit.
[b] Provide 2 Gold for pesticide.
[c] Tell him you will pray for a swift end.
{Sir Zapit? I will find him.}
{Thank you. Your generosity shall not be forgotten.}
{As you wish, Sire. I am sure, though, that the news will be the same
on my return unless you take action.}
_Locust: node 26105
A beautiful maiden from the village comes bearing good news.

{Sire, the locusts are leaving in swarms and the villagers are
feeling better and better every day. I have come to ask for your
support in the recovery efforts. We need aid for the farmers.}

Do you:
[a] Dismiss her.
[b] Donate brooms.
[c] Give her 1 Gold.
{Sire, I can see that you are not in a good mood today. I shall return
when you are feeling more generous.}
A beautiful maiden from the village comes to visit you.

{Sire, has your heart softened to the plight of your poor,
suffering villagers? Will you help us
with their recovery efforts?}

Do you:
[a] Dismiss her.
[b] Donate brooms.
[c] Give her 1 Gold.
{The morale in town is low enough. Must you contribute to the
people's unhappiness?

{I hope that this decision has left you in good spirits,} she says.
{Thank you.

{Brooms?} she mutters as she leaves the royal chambers.
{We need seeds, fertilizers, and Gold. Yet he provides
mere brooms.}
{Your generosity shall bring great joy to your people, Sire.

{Thank you.}
{Thank you.

{Brooms?} she mutters as she leaves the royal chambers.
{We need seeds, fertilizers, and Gold. Yet he only provides
us with brooms.}
{Thank you. You are truly a gracious ruler.}
_Locust: node 26106
{I am the famous Sir Bugoff, known throughout the land for my
methods of stopping pests from bugging you.

{Today, and today only, I have a special on locust extermination.
For the low, low price of 30 percent of your food supply, I will
rid you of these annoying pests forever.

{Or, for 1 Gold, I can do the job with some of
my less-skilled help. For 2 Gold, I will use my most experienced
men.}

Do you:
[a] Trade for 30 percent of your current food supply.
[b] Spend 1 Gold.
[c] Spend 2 Gold.
{Sire, you certainly have an eye for a bargain. We will
begin immediately.}
{Very well, Sire. We will do what we can.}
{May God shower you with ten thousand blessings, Sire. Thank you.}

-------------
Cluster: 2611
-------------

_Locust: node 26117
A tired but happy farmer arrives.

{Sire, the locust destruction is almost a distant memory. The
villagers are themselves again. If I might trouble you, though,
we could use just a little more help.}

Do you:
[a] Tell him that you are tired of the people whining.
[b] Donate dirt.
[c] Give him 1 Gold.
{It is sad that you show so little respect for your people, Sire.

{May a thousand pigeons perch on your parapets.}
{Thank you,} he mutters.

{Dirt? Very well, Sire.}
{Your steadfastness shall not be soon forgotten, Sire.
Thank you.}
_Locust: node 26118
A beautiful maiden arrives.

{Sire, I have wonderful news. The locusts have departed and all is
well with the villagers. There is light at last, now that we have
reached the end of this dark ordeal. Thank you for helping us
in our time of need.}

She leans over and gives you a polite kiss on the cheek.
_Exit Plague Part II: node 26119
A rough-looking villager arrives.

{Sire, the locusts have vanished and all is well with the villagers.
However, there are some who feel that you did not give your full
support in one of their darkest times.
Some day, they will be able to forgive you. But, for now, you should
avoid venturing out after dark without a stout retinue of guards.}

-------------
Cluster: 2620
-------------

_Termites: node 26200
A worker from the lumber mill arrives with alarming news.

{Sire, termites have invaded our timber supply.
They have eaten through nearly a fourth of our supply already.
Our stockpiles are turning into worthless sawdust.}

Do you:
[a] Spend 1 Gold for poison pellets.
[b] Send for Sir Mandible.
[c] Say, {Don't worry, they can't eat much more.}
{Very well. I shall pay a visit to the alchemist.}
{Sir Mandible is a fine choice, Sire. I will fetch him.}
{Will not eat much? Sire, they are devouring everything in
sight.}

The messenger shuffles out of the room, mumbling,

{Even Peter's wooden leg is just a pile of wood shavings.}
_Termites: node 26202
One-Legged Peter limps in with news about the termites.

{Sire, the termites are starting to slow down.
Either the poison has started to work, or they have had their fill.

{However, some of the foresters accidentally ate the
poison. They mistook it for sugar.

{We need to buy some medicine to alleviate their pain.}

Do you:
[a] Tell him that he is being a pain.
[b] Give him 1 Gold.
[c] Send for a tree doctor.
{Sire, I am appalled! Your lack of concern will not be
looked upon kindly. I will grant you one more chance to redeem
yourself and change your mind.}

Do you:
[a] Order him to leave.
[b] Reconsider and give 1 Gold.
[c] Reconsider and donate brooms.
{Sire, you are worse than the termites!}
{Thank you for reconsidering. The foresters
will be grateful.}
{Brooms? They are ill, not dusty!}
{Gold! You are truly a wise man. Thank you.}
{A tree doctor? I shall trust the wisdom of my leader, although
I cannot be sure that I trust even my own ears.}
_Termites: node 26203
{I am Sir Mandible. I despise termites. I love to kill them.

{My fees are as follows:
1 Gold will provide an effective extermination, but we
have had some side effects. Do not trouble yourself with that, however.
They are not permanent.

{For 2 Gold, we have a procedure that is completely safe.
It kills the termites on contact.

{What is your pleasure today, your Majesty?}

Do you:
[a] Barter 10 percent of your timber for the 1 Gold package.
[b] Spend 1 Gold.
[c] Spend 2 Gold.
[d] Send for the tree doctor.
{Ah, a fine dealmaker you are.
You have made a very sensible and affordable choice.
Of course, I will make certain that the timber you give
to me is free from termites before I accept your offer!}
{I know that you will be satisfied with my efforts.
Please do not worry about the side effects. As I said before,
they are only temporary.}
{Very well, the safe method it is. I admire your concern
for your people.}
{The tree doctor? He is but a pagan and a charlatan.}

Sir Mandible flips his cape and leaves in disgust.
_Termites: node 26204
A weary forester arrives.

{Sire, the termites have spread further into the village.
Some houses are falling down. There are almost as many piles
of rubble as homes.}

He sighs heavily.

{People are homeless and desperate. What shall we do?
What shall we do?}

Do you:
[a] Send for the tree doctor.
[b] Provide 1 Gold for poison.
[c] Tell him to remove himself from your presence.
{Splendid idea! I have heard wonderful things about him.}
{Thank you. Your generosity knows no boundaries, Sire.}
{Your coldness is very unbecoming. I will return to
remind you of your responsibilities to the people.}

As he leaves, he turns and glares,

{Your inaction shall be punished.}
_Termites: node 26205
One-Legged Peter arrives with his new leg and good news.

{Sire, we have a leg up on this termite thing. The pesky devils
are running for the borders, and reconstruction of the village
is going well.

{Nonetheless, we are in need of hammers and nails. These will cost
1 Gold.}

Do you:
[a] Tell Peter to take a hike.
[b] Donate screws.
[c] Give him the 1 Gold.
{I shall return when your mood is more receptive.}
Peter reappears, as promised.

{Sire, how is your mood today? We could still use those
hammers and nails. What say you?}

Do you:
[a] Growl at him.
[b] Donate screws.
[c] Give him 1 Gold.
{I suspect, Sire, that your royal lineage has perhaps been
tainted by an excess of inbreeding.

{Good day.}
{Thank you. But what can I do with screws, Sire?


{Use my imagination?}
{Thank you. Your bark is truly worse than your bite.}
{Thank you. But what shall we do with screws, Sire?}

{I sense that you are not altogether pleased.}
{Now you are barking up the right tree.}

-------------
Cluster: 2621
-------------

_Termites: node 26216
Sir Wattle, the tree doctor, bursts into the room, eager to help.

{I am pleased that you have sent for me, Sire. I recently
branched out into foliage pathology, and my reputation is
growing rapidly.

{For 5 percent of your timber supply I can apply my timber ointment
to your stockpiles. This will kill the termites, but its effects
will not be apparent for several weeks.

{Or, for 1 Gold, I can surgically remove the little critters
by hand. This is the most effective means at my disposal.}

Do you:
[a] Use 5 percent of your current timber supply.
[b] Spend 1 Gold.
[c] Send for Sir Mandible.
{Bark ointment it is. I will start the treatments today.}
{I shall summon my assistants and begin the surgery immediately, Sire.}
{You sap! Sir Mandible is not as knowledgeable as I.}

Sir Wattle recoils and falls to the floor after being struck
by one of the guards.

His tone and demeanor change.

{Sire, I apologize. I respect your decision.}

He turns to the guard and sneers,

{Was that better?}
_Termites: node 26217
A gorgeous maiden sashays in to visit.

{Sire, the termite frenzy is reaching a swift conclusion.
Our efforts have borne fruit. Nevertheless, we are still
in need of your assistance.}

She bats her sparkling blue eyes at you.

{We need Gold to buy supplies. Can you find it in your heart to
help?}

Do you:
[a] Ask how badly she wants the Gold.
[b] Donate dust pans.
[c] Give her 1 Gold and a wink.
{How about if I give you a kiss?}

Do you:
[a] Accept her offer and give her 1 Gold.
[b] Decline and donate dust pans.
[c] Decline and give her 1 Gold.
She leans over and gives you a small peck on the cheek.

{Thank you for your generosity.}
{Dust pans? You must be shy. Thank you nonetheless.}
{No kiss? You may stop blushing now. Thank you for
the Gold.}
{Dust pans?} she exclaims.

{No Gold? Am I not worth Gold?}

She rolls her eyes and storms out.

{You certainly have a way with women.}
She winks back and blows a kiss.

{Oh, Sire, thank you. The Gold will do much good.}
_Termites: node 26218
Cheers are heard from the village.

{The termites are gone! The termites are gone!}

A young girl visits to tell you the good news.

{Sire, Sire, the termites are gone. The villagers are planning
a festival to celebrate. Will you please join us?}

{Goody, goody! See you soon!}
_Exit Plague Part II: node 26219
A rough-looking villager arrives.

{Sire, the termites have been exterminated. Nevertheless, the
morale of the village is low due to your disinterest. I suggest
that you watch your back until this cloud of hostility passes.}

-------------
Cluster: 2630
-------------

_Drought: node 26300

A serious drought has plagued the village for months without reprieve.

A farmer comes with news about the crops.

{Sire, the drought has taken its toll on our food supply.
The crops are withering rapidly instead of offering
to us the bountiful harvests to which we are accustomed.

{Even worse, one quarter of our current food stockpile has spoiled.
If rains do not bring relief soon, I fear that we will be too late to
save the harvest.}

Do you:
[a] Send for Thor the Rain Maker.
[b] Send for the Bishop.
[c] Tell him he is all wet.
{A shrewd idea, Majesty. I hear that the Rain Maker has magical
powers and can make the very clouds weep.}
{A holy man such as the Bishop may just have the right
connections to get the rain we need.}
{Sire, I am far from wet! I do not think it is wise
for you to be so cavalier about the situation.}

The farmer sneers as he is leaving.

{You will regret this waffling.}
_Drought: node 26302
Chanting is heard outside the door.

Hopping around in circles, a man wearing an unusual
headdress meanders into the room.

{Oh Great One, I am Thor the Rain Maker. I have come to put
an end to this dreadful drought that is tormenting your village.

{My fees are very reasonable.

{For 2 Gold, I will perform the Sacred Rain Dance.
For 1 Gold I can give you some very simple instructions and you
can try the Dance yourself.

{Of course, since I am a professional, I have a better chance of
influencing the powers that be.}

Do you:
[a] Barter 10 percent of your food and do the Dance yourself.
[b] Pay 2 Gold.
[c] Send for the Bishop.
Thor smiles and chuckles to himself.

{I accept your offer, as I am somewhat hungry. And I will
also enjoy seeing you in this headdress.}

{I shall return on the morrow to begin the lessons.}
Thor returns, ready to start your Dance lessons.

{Hop on your left foot two times, then your right foot
three times. Come, follow me.

{Very good. Practice that a couple of times.}
{Excellent! Now, let us add the chant. As you hop,
lift your face to the heavens and intone, in a loud voice:
Rain, Rain,
Come Today.
Don't stay away
Another day.

{Go ahead and try the pattern a few times.
{To ensure the best results, you should repeat this for
two hours. And the Dance works best in front of a large number of
spectators, say about one hundred.}

Do you:
[a] Do the Dance, knowing that you will be humiliated.
[b] Pay him the 2 Gold to have him do the Dance.
[c] Send for the Bishop.
He slaps you on the back.

{I like your enthusiasm! I am sure the villagers
will enjoy the show.

{Just remember: left, right, then turn your face heavenward.}
{For heaven's sake, Sire, the Dance is not that hard.

{However, since you seem to be so shy, just give me the
gold and I will be happy to do the Dance.}
{A holy man? And what do you expect him to do that I cannot?}
{Shrewd move. I have had good luck in
the past. I am certain that I will be successful.}
{The Bishop? You are certainly not as adventurous as I
thought.}

As he leaves, he rolls his eyes in disgust.
_Drought: node 26303
Quiet falls over the room as the Bishop enters.

{Sire, I have been informed of this tragic drought that
is plaguing your village.

{I am sure that God will look kindly on you and your plight
if the church receives a generous donation.

{God loves those who give freely of themselves.}

Do you:
[a] Make a donation of 10 percent of the food supply.
[b] Donate 1 Gold.
[c] Send for Thor the Rain Maker.
{Food will help feed many who are hungry. Thank you.}

{The church will ask for God's blessing on your endeavors.}
{Gold is always a wise choice. The church will be pleased.}

{I will pray for a swift end to your nightmare.}
{A Rain Maker? That is sacrilegious.}

As the Bishop makes a hasty exit, he mumbles,
{I must leave before this room is struck by lightning!}
_Drought: node 26304
The drought drags on.

A maiden from the village comes to plead for help.

{Sire, the drought has destroyed another 5 percent of our food
supply. The farmers are beginning to panic.

{The once fertile soil is turning to dust.}

A tear rolls down her cheek.

{Please, Sire, we need your guidance.}

Do you:
[a] Send for the Bishop.
[b] Send for Thor the Rain Maker.
[c] Promise her that the rain will come soon.
She wipes the tear away.

{Very well, I will go and find the Bishop.}
She wipes the tears from her eyes.

{Thor the Rain Maker? Yes, Sire.}
The tears start to stream down her face.

{I wish I had your faith, Sire. But I fear things will
continue to get worse.}

As she leaves, her sobs become louder.

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 2631
-------------

_Drought: node 26315
A slightly damp farmer arrives with news.

{Earlier today, clouds rolled in and rain began to fall. Cheers
were heard throughout the village. But our hopes were dashed,
as the rain lasted for one brief hour.

{Sire, we must continue to fight.}

Do you:
[a] Send for Thor the Rain Maker.
[b] Try doing your own rain dance.
[c] Donate 1 Gold to the church.
{I will locate the legendary Thor and bring him to you.}
Thor arrives, grinning broadly.

{Sire, I was told you wished to hear more about my services.

{I have recently learned a new rain dance that has proven highly
effective in some of the other villages.

{For 2 Gold, I will perform the dance for you.}

Do you:
[a] Offer him 1 Gold.
[b] Do your own dance.
[c] Donate 1 Gold to the church.
{You drive a hard bargain.}

He ponders the offer for a moment.

{Very well, I accept your offer of 1 Gold.}
{Sire, without proper instruction, you could hurt yourself.}

The guards are motioned to remove him from your presence.

{Sire! Surely you need not be so harsh!}
{Sire, gold cannot buy you rain from God! I, however,
may provide some help or, at least, some entertainment.
{Do your own dance? What an idea! This shall surely
be worth seeing.}
{Sire, do you truly believe that a donation to the church will
help you get into God's good graces?

{I hope and pray that you are correct!}
_Drought: node 26316
The rain fell steadily for two days, but the moisture only penetrated the
surface of the soil. A farmer comes with a report on the fields.

{I am pleased to report that spirits are high. We were
able to save 2 percent of the food supply that we believed
to be lost.

{However, the rainfall was sadly insufficient to
eliminate the drought.

{Please, Sire. Will you provide further assistance to us?}

Do you:
[a] Try doing the rain dance yourself.
[b] Tell him that he should be grateful.
[c] Donate 1 Gold to the church.
[d] Donate 2 Gold to the church.
{Magnificent! The villagers truly enjoy seeing you dance.}

He begins to snicker, then to laugh loudly.
The guards rush him out the door.
{Sire, I would recommend rest to brighten your mood.}

He storms out of the room.
{May God bless you, Sire, and respond to your prayers.}
{May God bless you, Sire. The Lord loves a cheerful giver.}
_Drought: node 26317
Tiffany, a local beauty, comes to visit.

{Sire, our efforts to end the drought are succeeding.
Still, we suffer from the lingering effects of the drought.}

Looking into your eyes, she gently touches your hand.

{Please, we need your help.}

Do you:
[a] Tell her to come back when she has good news.
[b] Donate 1 Gold to the church.
[c] Tell her to do the rain dance.
She pulls her hand away and looks askance at you.

{I will be back, but perhaps not with good news!}
Tiffany enters your chambers once again.

{Please, Sire. Will you help, or
are you content to see your faithful people starve?}

Do you:
[a] Apologize and give her 1 Gold.
[b] Donate 1 Gold to the church.
[c] Apologize and ask if she will do the rain dance.
She leans over and gives you a big kiss on the cheek.

{I accept your apology. Thank you for your generosity.}
{A donation to the church? Very well, thank you.}

Tiffany looks confused as she leaves.

{Gold for the church? I must be losing my touch!}
{Dance? Me? I could not. It would be so... immodest.}
{Then again, perhaps I could.}
{Yes, I will do it.}
{A gift to the church? Very well, thank you.}

Tiffany looks confused as she leaves.

{For the church? I must be losing my touch!}
{Dance? Me? Would that not be unbecoming for a gentle maiden such as I?}
{Perhaps I should, since the situation is so grave.}
{Yes, I will do it.}
_Drought: node 26318
Rain has fallen for days and days on end.

A soaked Tiffany arrives.

{Sire, Sire, the villagers are singing in the streets!
Thank you for bringing the rain.}

She kisses your hand, then returns to the celebration.
_Exit Plague Part II: node 26319
Rain has fallen for days, seemingly without end.
Your prime agricultural land is flooded.

The villagers are thrilled about the rain, but dejected about
its overabundance.

The floods have destroyed a small fraction of your food supply.

-------------
Cluster: 2650
-------------

_Mining Accident: node 26500
A dusty, dirty miner arrives with tragic news from the foundry.

{Sire, one of our mine tunnels collapsed today. Some of the men
were injured while they were trying to escape.

{Regrettably, some of the miners are still trapped.

{The foundry is shut down, and we have lost nearly a quarter of our
iron supply.}

Do you:
[a] Donate shovels.
[b] Send men to help in the rescue efforts.
[c] Tell him to stop moaning and get back to the foundry.
{Thank you. I am sure that the shovels will come in handy.
I will keep you informed about the rescue efforts.}
The miner who spoke to you last week comes back with a status report.

{We were able to shovel out most of the trapped men.
However, we are in need of further help.}

Do you:
[a] Donate blankets.
[b] Give him 1 Gold for rescue supplies.
[c] Tell him you have nothing for him.
{Thank you, Sire. Anything that you can spare is helpful.}
{Sire, thank you. This will allow us to buy much-
needed supplies. We are ever grateful.}
{Nothing? You have nothing? I cannot believe that you are so
coldhearted.}
{I will gather a group of strong men to accompany me.}
{You are truly heartless.}

He slowly leaves, his head bowed in disbelief.

{You will regret turning your back on us.}
_Mining Accident: node 26502
A cloud of dust surrounds a strapping young man as he enters the
royal chambers.

{Sire, my father asked me to come and inform you that the men trapped
in the mine are now freed. But the tunnel completely collapsed, and
the vein to which it led is no longer accessible. It was the richest
vein we had.

{We feel that we may be able to unblock it if we can afford to hire
more workers. This will cost 1 Gold.}

Do you:
[a] Donate shovels and wheelbarrows.
[b] Pay 1 Gold.
[c] Tell him not to waste his time with the blocked tunnel.
{I am saddened by your lack of interest, Sire.}
{A very shrewd move, Sire. That vein contains a massive amount
of iron.}
{Sire, I will do as you wish. However, I must remind
you that we may lose even more iron in the future.}
_Mining Accident: node 26503
A distraught woman comes to see you,
sobbing uncontrollably.

{Sire, another tunnel in the mine has collapsed. Many men are trapped.}

She takes a deep breath and continues,

{My husband is among them. I beg you, please send help!}

Do you:
[a] Disregard her pleas and have her removed.
[b] Give 1 Gold.
[c] Send men with shovels to help.
She is dragged from the room.

{I will be back, and I will keep coming back until
my demands are satisfied.}
{God bless you. You are a wonderful man. Thank you.}
{Thank you for the assistance, Sire.}
_Mining Accident: node 26504
The mining accident continues to strain the community.

News from the foundry arrives with a woman from the town.

{Sire, falling debris has destroyed another fraction of our
iron supply. The situation is looking very bleak.

{The foundry is engulfed in a tremendous cloud of dust.}

Her expression becomes very intense.

{Please, Sire, we desperately need your guidance.}

Do you:
[a] Donate shovels, picks and wheelbarrows.
[b] Order her removed from your presence.
[c] Give her 1 Gold.
{Thank you. Supplies are much needed.}
She smiles.

{Oh, Sire, I love it when you talk that way.}
{Thank you for your donation. We will spend it wisely.}

-------------
Cluster: 2651
-------------

_Mining Accident: node 26515
A very dirty miner strolls into the room. He is smiling from
ear to ear.

{Earlier today, there was another mine collapse. When the dust settled,
we discovered a new vein of iron. It is worth 3 Gold.}

He begins to dance around the room.
{3 GOLD! 3 GOLD! 3 GOLD!}

The guards stop him from knocking over a bust of your head.

{Sire, I also wish to petition you for additional supplies
to allow us to complete our cleanup and return to a normal routine.}

Do you:
[a] Decree a day of rest.
[b] Tell him to stop celebrating and return to work.
[c] Give 1 Gold to hire extra men.
{This will be a day of great joy and celebration, Sire!}
The celebration has continued for two days without ceasing.

An older woman comes to complain about the noise.

{Sire, I hate to complain, but this celebration
has lasted far too long. Please tell these rude men
to get back to work!}

Do you:
[a] Tell her you will do your best.
[b] Have her thrown out.
{I knew that you would see it my way.}
{You are as bad as the villagers.}

The guards are motioned to remove her from your presence.

{Sire! There is no need to be rough.}
{Very well, Sire.}

He sulks as he leaves.

{What a party pooper!}
{Thank you. You are so thoughtful. More men will ease the workload
for all.}
_Mining Accident: node 26516
A blacksmith comes to complain.

{Sire, I have been unable to obtain iron from the foundry.
The workers refuse to work until the conditions are improved.
They say the mine is unsafe. Production has
come to a complete stop. You must do something.}

Do you:
[a] Tell him to stop wasting your time with his petty complaints.
[b] Send men to help with the cleanup.
[c] Give him 1 Gold to buy supplies.
{Sire, many feel these are not 'petty' complaints. I think you
should reconsider this rash decision.}

He stomps his feet as he is leaving.
You notice that the guards are watching him very closely.
{Thank you for your support.}
{Supplies will help ease the strain of the cleanup. Thank you.}
_Mining Accident: node 26517
Tiffany, a beautiful young maiden, brings news from the foundry.

{Sire, the foundry is slowly recovering from all the
stress of the recent accidents. Nevertheless, your assistance
is still needed to complete the reconstruction and cleanup.}

She moves closer to you.

{We just need Gold, supplies or anything else that can be spared.}

Do you:
[a] Tell her you have given all that you plan to give.
[b] Give her 1 Gold to buy supplies.
[c] Donate buckets.
{Sire! Where is your community spirit?
I will return in a day or two to see if you have changed
your mind.}
Tiffany is back

{Have you reconsidered, Sire? Will you help us?}

Do you:
[a] Apologize and give her 1 Gold.
[b] Give her 1 Gold for supplies.
[c] Apologize.
{I accept your apology. Now I must go shopping.}
{No apology?}

Tiffany looks angry as she leaves.

{At least we can use the gold!}
{An apology, but no more?

{Are you sure you did not forget something? Perhaps a
financial contribution to the cause?}

She sneers and departs abruptly.
{Thank you. Now I must go shopping.}
{Buckets? Is that all you can spare?}

{I must be losing my touch.}
_Mining Accident: node 26518
The foundry is back in operation.

The foreman from the foundry arrives with a status report.

{Sire, we are back at full operation. Because of all the work
done, we have increased productivity enormously. Thank you
for your help through these rough times.}
_Exit Plague Part II: node 26519
The foundry is back in operation.

The foreman from the foundry arrives with a status report.

{Sire, we are back at full operation. However, there was damage
to some of the tunnels, and we are not able to repair them. Our
productivity will remain down for some time.}

-------------
Cluster: 2660
-------------

_Explosion: node 26600
A loud explosion is heard in the distance.

Suddenly, one of the guards comes running in with news.

{Sire, there has been an explosion at the foundry.

{Many workers have been injured, and there is an enormous fire.

{The foundry foreman believes that approximately twenty percent of
the iron supply has been lost.}

Do you:
[a] Order him to leave.
[b] Send men to help put out the fire.
[c] Tell him to investigate further and bring a status report.
{You are truly heartless.}

He slowly leaves, his head bowed in disbelief.

{You will regret being so insensitive.}
{I will gather a group of strong men to take with me.}
Your guard returns with a status report on the foundry accident.

{Sire, I wish I had better news. The foundry is in a
state of chaos. There are many small fires, collapsed tunnels,
and injured workers.}

Do you:
[a] Send men to help with the rescue and fires.
[b] Give him 1 Gold for rescue supplies.
[c] Tell him you have nothing for him.
{I will leave at once. Thank you.}
{Sire, thank you. This will allow us to buy
much-needed supplies.}
{Nothing? You have nothing? I cannot believe that you are so
coldhearted.}
_Explosion: node 26602
You are handed a charred piece of paper with a message on the
foundry's status.

{Fires almost under control.

{Rebuilding underway.

{Need more men.

{Please send gold to hire fresh men.}

Do you:
[a] Order some young boys from the village to help.
[b] Send 1 Gold.
[c] Return it to the sender, pretending that you
never saw it.
A hysterical woman is heard screaming from the window,

{You cannot send my son to that dangerous place. Who
ordered this?

{Even a King would not send young children!}
The sound of a man's voice is heard bellowing through the
streets,

{Did you hear? My son is man enough to be sent to help
with the mining explosion.

{What a wise leader to recognize the strength of my son!}
A strongbox containing 1 Gold is sent to the foundry to hire
new workers.
The messenger returns the note to the foundry under protest.
_Explosion: node 26603
A distraught woman comes to see you.
She is sobbing uncontrollably.

{Sire, while cleaning up from the first foundry disaster, another
explosion was triggered. Many men are hurt and more damage
has been done to the foundry. I heard that still more iron
has been lost.}

She takes a deep breath and continues,

{I implore you to please send help!}

Do you:
[a] Disregard her pleas and have her removed.
[b] Give 1 Gold for aid.
[c] Send some of your strongest men to help.
She is dragged from the room, screaming and shaking her fists.

{You cannot silence me so readily! I will have my satisfaction!}
{Thank you, Sire. You are a decent man.}
She begins to smile.

{Strong men. I love strong men! I adore the way you think.}
_Explosion: node 26604
A hefty miner, nicknamed Moose, arrives with news.

{The foundry reconstruction is proceeding steadily.
Progress is slow, however, and we cannot determine when
the work will be completed.

{Our efforts will be more effective if you permit us to
hire additional workers. The cost would be 2 Gold.

Moose looks you straight in the eye.

{So, what will it be?}

Do you:
[a] Donate shovels, picks and wheelbarrows.
[b] Order him removed from your presence.
[c] Give him 2 Gold.
{Sire, thank you, but we need men to use these tools.}

Moose is struck in the back of the head.

{Ouch! You have a serious attitude problem!}

He leaves in disgust.
He smirks.

{A strong man! I respect a man who stands up for himself.}
{I shall hire new workers posthaste.}

-------------
Cluster: 2661
-------------

_Explosion: node 26615
A man is heard singing outside of your window.

{Happy days are here again.}

He begins to dance around the room.

{Iron! A new vein of iron! Worth 2 Gold!}

{Sire, Sire! Another explosion has led us to a new vein of iron.
It is estimated to be worth 2 Gold.

{But, in the excitement, someone knocked over a torch and set off a
small fire. Alas, our cleanup efforts have been further delayed.}

Do you:
[a] Give the miners a day off at a cost of 1 Gold.
[b] Tell him to stop singing and get back to work.
[c] Send extra men to help.
{Festivals! Gold! Maidens! Time to go; time is a-wasting!}
The revelry has continued for two uninterrupted days.

An old woman from the village comes to complain
about the noise.

{Sire, I hate to be seen as a wet blanket, but this celebration
is trying my patience. Please tell these rude men
to get back to work!}

Do you:
[a] Tell her you will do your best.
[b] Tell her that they deserve this reward for their hard work.
{I knew you would see it my way.}
{You are no better than the villagers.}

The guards are motioned to remove her from your presence.

{Sire! No need to be rough.}
{But... but what about celebrating? Please, Sire!}

He mumbles under his breath as he leaves,

{What a party pooper!}
{Your offer is welcome, although we would much rather be granted a
brief respite from our labors.}
_Explosion: node 26616
Moose, as he is known around the foundry, arrives with news.

{Sire, the entrance supports have collapsed. Some men are
still inside. We need help to rescue them.}

Do you:
[a] Tell him to stop wasting your time.
[b] Send men to help with the rescue.
[c] Give him 1 Gold to buy supplies for the rescue.
{The responsibility will be yours if lives are lost, Sire!}

He stomps out of the room, his contempt plain for all to see.

The guards watch him closely as he leaves.
{Thank you for your support.}
{Supplies certainly will help the cleanup. Thank you.}
_Explosion: node 26617
Tiffany, a beautiful young maiden, brings news from the foundry.

{Sire, the men have asked me to tell you that all goes
well. The foundry is almost ready to resume full
production.}

She leans closer to you.

{They were wondering if you...if you could send
some... wine... to them. They could use some recreation.

{Only 1 Gold, and you will ensure their happiness!}

Do you:
[a] Tell her to lift their spirits herself.
[b] Give her 1 Gold to buy the wine.
[c] Donate books for them to read instead.
{Sire! Where is your community spirit?
I shall return on the morrow to see if you have changed
your mind.}
Tiffany returns, as promised.

{Will you help us now, Sire?}

Do you:
[a] Apologize and give her 1 Gold.
[b] Give her 1 Gold for wine.
[c] Apologize.
{I accept your apology. Now I must leave and purchase a few
vats of wine.}
{No apology?}

Tiffany's gentle features twist into an unbecoming scowl as
she mutters,

{At least he parted with some Gold!}
{An apology, and naught else?}

{Have you not forgotten something, perhaps
a small monetary gift?}

With an unpleasant look on her face, she abruptly departs.
{Thank you. I must go. I can hear the men whining, even at
this distance.}
{Books? Do you think these men can read?}

{I must be losing my touch.}
_Explosion: node 26618
The foreman from the foundry arrives with a status report.

{Sire, the foundry is finally back in operation.
In fact, due to the repairs, we were able to increase
our productivity for the month.

{Your staunch support through this very frightening time will not
be forgotten. Our heartfelt gratitude to you, Sire.}
_Exit Plague Part II: node 26619
The foundry is back in operation.

The foreman arrives with a status report.

{Sire, the foundry is slowly resuming full
operation. During the next several weeks, we expect that
productivity will be significantly impaired.
This situation should be temporary. We expect to return to normal
operation soon.}

-------------
Cluster: 2670
-------------

_Killer Bees: node 26700

A villager comes running past the guards into the room.

{Oh Great One, a swarm of killer bees is attacking our people.
The village is in chaos.}

Do you:
[a] Spend 1 Gold for nets to catch the bees.
[b] Send for a beekeeper.
[c] Tell him to buzz off.
{Very well, Sire.}
{I know just the man for the job.}
{Sire, please do not dismiss this problem so hastily.
These bees have been known to kill.}
_Killer Bees: node 26702
A young girl arrives, carrying a large net.

{Sire, thank you for the nets to trap the bees. There is a problem
with them, however.
The holes are so big that these nasty bees are able to escape
through them.}

She holds up her arm to show you the stings she has
received.

{My father asked me to see if you
could give us more Gold so we can pay the netmaker to fix them.}

Her bottom lip begins to quiver.

{Please. Please, Sire.}

Do you:
[a] Tell her to make do.
[b] Give her 1 Gold to fix the nets.
[c] Send for the beekeeper.
A tear wells up in her eye.

{We are simple farmers, Sire. We just wanted some new
nets. That is all. Just some new nets.}

She turns to leave as the tears roll down her cheeks.

Do you:
[a] Let her leave.
[b] Reconsider and give 1 Gold.
[c] Reconsider and send for the beekeeper.
Her father steps into the room to take his little girl home.

He turns briefly toward you, bearing a look of contempt,
then gently comforts his daughter as they step from the room.
Her tears stop as her face brightens. She runs over and gives
you a delicate kiss on the cheek.

{Thank you! You are a kindly man!}
{I know him. He lives a short walk down the road from my house.}
{Thank you, thank you. Now we can catch those
mean old bees.}
{I know him. He lives very near to me.}
_Killer Bees: node 26703
A man wearing a huge hood and large gloves arrives.

He removes the hood and politely bows to you.
{Sire, I am Buzz the beekeeper. I have come to help you with your
bee problem.

{For 1 Gold, I will chase them from the town. But I cannot guarantee
that they will stay away.

{But, for 2 Gold, I will purge the village of the bees and dust it
with my bee dust. It prevents the bees from coming back.}

Do you:
[a] Pay 1 Gold and hope the bees do not come back.
[b] Spend 2 Gold to eliminate them.
[c] Send for the bee charmer.
{Sire, remember that I cannot guarantee that the bees will stay
away. I will do my best.}
{That is a wise idea. This sort of bee is very dangerous.
It is best to eradicate them all.}
{The bee charmer? He has not had the successes I have had.}

Buzz turns to leave and a swarm of bees follows him.
_Killer Bees: node 26704
Another villager arrives. His arms are obviously covered with
bee stings.

{Sire, the bees are attacking more viciously than ever. The more
frail villagers grow ill from the bee stings.

{We need help to get rid of these horrible pests before someone
dies.}

Do you:
[a] Tell him to go away.
[b] Provide 2 Gold to purchase herbs to ward off the bees.
[c] Send for the beekeeper.
{The bees will never leave unless you take action, Sire.
I will keep returning until you make a decision.}
{Thank you. Your generosity shall not be forgotten.}
{Buzz is a friend of mine. I will suggest that he arrange an
audience with you.}
_Killer Bees: node 26705
A handsome young squire with a red and blotchy face enters the room.

{Sire, our bee stings are beginning to heal. The village is
slowly returning to its familiar routine.

{However, there is still a need for your assistance. We need
ointment to help with the bee stings. Also, not all of the bees are
gone yet.}

Do you:
[a] Order him to leave.
[b] Donate wine to ease their pain.
[c] Give him 1 Gold.
{I do not give up easily. I have a responsibility to
the people of the village. I will be back.}
The young squire returns, hat in hand.

{Sire, I have granted you ample time to reconsider your position.
Will you help the village?}

Do you:
[a] Order him to leave.
[b] Donate wine to ease their pain.
[c] Give him 1 Gold.
{You are heartless, Sire. The village has looked to you
for help and you have turned your back. They will not
soon forget this.}
{Your wine will certainly help to distance the villagers
from the pain of their travails.}
{I can see that the light of reason guides you. Thank you.}
{A mug of mulled wine certainly sounds grand to me. Thank you!}
{Sire, you are truly the gracious leader I have heard you to be.}

-------------
Cluster: 2671
-------------

_Killer Bees: node 26716
{I am Sir Bee Tranquil, the bee charmer. I can cast a spell on
any bee in the land.

{My services include the following:

{For 2 Gold I will hypnotize the bees and purchase special
traps that will almost certainly keep the bees from escaping.

{For 1 Gold I will hypnotize the bees, but I will not be able to
purchase the traps.}

Do you:
[a] Spend 2 Gold.
[b] Spend 1 Gold.
[c] Send for the beekeeper.
{I will place the order for the traps immediately. It
is a pleasure doing business in your fine kingdom, Sire.}
{I will dispose of these annoying bees with all dispatch.}
{You are obviously not open to the latest in bee control.}

He shakes his head in disbelief as he leaves.
_Killer Bees: node 26717
The young squire arrives with news of the bees.

{The good news is that we have not seen a bee in days.
Alas, the bad news is that the bee stings have accentuated the
tempestuous behavior of the villagers. They are in need of some good cheer.
I have some ideas, but I need Gold for my purchases.}

Do you:
[a] Tell him that you are tired of his demands.
[b] Donate wine.
[c] Give him 1 Gold.
{Sire, this sort of treatment will not win you many friends!}
{Wine! What a fine idea.}
{Thank you for your generosity. This will make the
villagers very happy.}
_Killer Bees: node 26718
A beautiful maiden arrives.

{Sire, the village is back to its normal routine.
Thank you for helping us through this stinging ordeal.}

She leans over and whispers,

{I would be happy to demonstrate the depth of my gratitude to you.}
_Exit Plague Part II: node 26719
The young squire is back. He looks somewhat disgruntled.

{Sire, the bees are all gone, and all is well with the villagers.

{Nonetheless, your neglect is still fresh in their memories. It would
be wise for you to have a food taster present at your every meal.}

Your royal taster, fork in hand, pales and slumps to the floor.

-------------
Cluster: 2680
-------------

_Weapons: node 26800
Sir Gunny, the local weapons salesman, arrives.

{Sire, I have some new weapons to show you today.

{What would you like to examine?}

Do you:
[a] Look at the Super Catapult.
[a] Look at the Automatic Bow and Arrow set.
[b] Look at the infamous Stink Bomb.
[b] Look at the Flaming Pigeon starter kit.
[c] Tell him to go away.
{Excellent choice. The Super Catapult is always a
popular item wherever I go. I shall bring you
a sample in a few days.}
{Ah, the Automatic Bow and Arrow set.
This little number is moving quickly.
I shall revisit your lovely castle in a few days.}
{The Stink Bomb is a wonderful choice, Sire.
I shall have a sample for you in a few days.}
{Flaming Pigeons. Ah, yes, a splendid choice.
I will return shortly to demonstrate this hot new item.}
{Sire, I can see you are a busy man. Perhaps you will have
more time to talk in a fortnight or so.}
_Weapons: node 26802
Sir Gunny returns with the Super Catapult.

{Sire, I have brought some men to show you what a wonderful
addition this weapon will be to your arsenal. A large animal has
been readied as a demonstration of the projectile weights that
may be employed by this fine weapon.

{Ready, Fire!}
A massive, confused cow flies through the air, mooing plaintively.

{As you can see, this Super Catapult can be of great assistance to
you when in the heat of battle. Just imagine the plague and pestilence
that you could spread with one well-placed cow.}

Do you:
[a] Run a test on it.
[b] Buy it.
[c] Ask to see another weapon.
{Very well. Please feel free to test it yourself.}
{As you wish. I will return to discuss my price.}

As he leaves, he does a little dance.

{I might make Salesman of the Month yet!}
{Now I can buy that new cart that I have been eyeing!}
{What an easy target, this one!}
{I shall return with more samples.}
_Weapons: node 26803
Sir Gunny arrives with the Automatic Bow and Arrow set.

{Sire, this represents the state of the art in automatic weapons.

{It will improve your firing speed. Other customers have
been impressed with the results.}

Do you:
[a] Run a test on it.
[b] Buy it.
[c] Ask to see another weapon.
{Test it?}
{As you wish. But be careful. This is not a toy!}
{Marvelous! We can discuss an equitable price when I return.}

Just before he disappears from sight, you see him take a little
leap into the air. He mumbles to himself,

{I cannot believe he went for it! I am brilliant!}
{Watch out! I am on a roll!}
{No one will believe this! What a soft touch!}
{Very well, I will return with more samples. I am sure that you
will find something to your liking, Sire.}
_Weapons: node 26804
Sir Gunny brings the infamous Stink Bomb.

{Sire, do not let the innocent look of this little box fool you.
This is an exceedingly potent weapon.

{We use a secret formula that contains items such as
dung, skunk oil, garlic, and ram's bladder extract.}

Do you:
[a] Run a test on it.
[b] Buy it.
[c] Ask to see another weapon.
{Very well, but do so at your own risk.}
{Many who have used it incorrectly have had their friends
desert them.}
{Excellent selection! We may negotiate a price at our next meeting.}

As he leaves, he smiles slyly to himself, saying,

{Now I can pay off that bothersome bill collector
and secure the release of my family!}
{What a soft touch! I should come here more often!}
{Gracious, that was much easier than I thought!}
{I understand. Stink Bombs are not for everyone. I will
return with less noxious samples in a few days.}
_Weapons: node 26805
Sir Gunny returns, ready to show you the Flaming Pigeons.

{This demonstration is not for the faint of heart,
so leave if you feel you must.}

A group of twenty people draws closer. No one leaves.

{Let us begin the demonstration.}
{Flaming Pigeons provide a perfect means of distracting an enemy.
As the pigeons fly overhead, your enemy will look skyward. This
will make them easy prey to your attack.

{Do not hesitate. This is our hottest item!}

Do you:
[a] Run a test on it.
[b] Buy it.
[c] Ask to see another weapon.
{Very well. But be careful not to burn yourself on the wings.}
{Thank you, Sire. I will return to make the financial arrangements.}

As he leaves, he does a little dance.

{I cannot wait to tell the guys back at the home castle!}
{Now I can go on that dream vacation to Camelot!}
{That sale just put me into the Gold Club!}
{I shall fetch my samples.}

-------------
Cluster: 2681
-------------

_Weapons: node 26815
{Which weapon do you wish to examine?}

Do you:
[a] Look at the Super Catapult.
[a] Look at the Automatic Bow and Arrow set.
[b] Look at the infamous Stink Bomb.
[b] Look at the Flaming Pigeon starter kit.
[c] Tell him to go away.
{Excellent choice. The Super Catapult always
makes a big impact wherever I go. I will return with
a sample in a few days.}
{The Automatic Bow and Arrow set.
This little number is a fast mover.
I will return with a demonstration in a few days.}
{The Stink Bomb is a wonderful choice, Sire.
I will return with a sample in a few days.}
{Flaming Pigeons. A splendid choice.
I will return in a few days to show this hot new item.}
{You are a most difficult customer, Sire. I shall return
once more. Perhaps you will be more receptive then.}
_Weapons: node 26816
A delighted messenger arrives with news from the weapon test.

{Sire, the test was a huge success. All who were present were
impressed with the results. We grant it our hearty approval!}

Do you:
[a] Buy it.
[b] Don't buy it.
[c] Ask to see another weapon.
Sir Gunny enters your chambers, and says,

{Thank you, Sire. I will return to discuss the price.}

As he leaves, he does a little dance.

{Wait until I tell the guys back at the home castle!}
{Now I can go on that dream vacation to Camelot!}
{That sale just put me into the Gold Club!}
{Sire, you are a hard man to impress.
I will return in a few days to see if you have
changed your mind.}
{As you wish. I shall return in a few days.}
_Weapons: node 26817
A dazed messenger brings the results of the weapon test.

{Sire, the test was not successful. Perhaps this was
a bad unit.}

Do you:
[a] Buy it.
[b] Don't buy it.
[c] Ask to see another weapon.
Sir Gunny enters your chambers, and says,

{I see that you are a wise man, and can see beyond this minor
setback. When I return, we can negotiate a fair price.}

As he leaves, he does a little dance.

{Now I can pay off that bothersome bill collector
and secure the release of my family!}
{What a soft touch! I should come here more often!}
{Amazing! This shall not be my last trip to this fine kingdom.}
{I see. Nevertheless, I shall return once more in the hope that
you will have a change of heart.}
{Thank you, Sire. I will return with wonderful offerings for you.}
_Weapons: node 26818
Sir Gunny returns to discuss the cost of the new weapon.

{Sire, my prices are fair and reasonable. Of course, you must
remember that the price determines the quality of the goods.}

Do you:
[a] Barter.
[b] Pay 1 Gold.
[c] Pay 2 Gold.
{You want to deal. What commodity do you wish to trade?}

Do you barter:
[a] Crops.
[b] Timber.
[c] Iron.
{Crops.}

How much:
[a] 5 percent.
[b] 10 percent.
[c] Change your mind.
{Five percent sounds reasonable.}

As he leaves, he leans over to his assistant,

{We will give him the seconds.}
{Ten percent sounds reasonable.}

As he leaves, he leans over to his assistant,

{We will give him the ones that have been tested.}
{Changed your mind?}
{Timber.}

How much:
[a] 5 percent.
[b] 10 percent.
[c] Change your mind.
{5 percent sounds reasonable.}

As he leaves, he leans over to his assistant,

{We will give him the seconds.}
{10 percent sounds reasonable.}

As he leaves, he leans over to his assistant,
{We will give him the ones that have been tested.}
{Changed your mind?}
{Iron.}

How much:
[a] 5 percent.
[b] 10 percent.
[c] Change your mind.
{Five percent sounds reasonable.}

As he leaves, he leans over to his assistant,

{We will give him the seconds.}
{Ten percent sounds reasonable.}

As he leaves, he leans over to his assistant,

{We will give him the ones that have been tested.}
{Changed your mind?}
{Thank you Sire. I can see that you are watching your purse.}

As he leaves, he leans over to his assistant,

{Good! Now we can dispose of our old inventory.}
{Thank you, Sire! I will ensure that you receive the best units
in my inventory.}

As he leaves, he leans over to his assistant,

{Make sure that he gets the ones that have been tested.}
_Exit Plague Part II: node 26819
Sir Gunny is back.

{Sire, can I interest you in any of my wares?}

Do you:
[a] Tell him that you really mean {NO!}
[b] Ask him to show you what he has.
{As you wish. Your message is quite clear.}
{Very well. I shall fetch them from my cart.}

-------------
Cluster: 2690
-------------

_Camouflage: node 26900
Sara Thimble, the local camouflage sales representative, arrives.

{Sire, I have the most extraordinary camouflage for your
men. My girls have been sewing their fingers to the bone to
bring you some new designs.

{What would you like to see?}

Do you:
[a] Look at the nun outfits.
[a] Look at the tree outfits.
[b] Look at the enemy uniforms.
[b] Look at the horse outfits.
[c] Tell her to go away.
{Splendid choice. This is an excellent habit for
you to develop. I shall be back with
a sample in a few days.}
{The tree outfits.
These little numbers truly grow on you.
I can have a sample for you in a few days.}
{The enemy uniforms are a sly choice, Sire.
I shall have a sample made up for you in a few days.}
{Horse outfits. I am sure that these shall become a mane-stay
of your men. I can be back in a few days with a sample.}
{Sire, I shall come back in a week when you have
more time to talk.}

She murmurs under her breath,

{Give a guy a throne, and he thinks he can act like a King!}
_Camouflage: node 26902
Sara Thimble returns with the nun outfit sample.

{Sire, I have the nun habit for you to look over.

She hands over a fine black habit.

{As you can see, this is entirely handmade. It is a direct copy of
what the nuns are issued.

{Your men can wear these over their combat gear and sneak
up on your enemy. No one would suspect a group of nuns on
a walk. Right?}

Do you:
[a] Try it on.
[b] Buy it.
[c] Ask to see what else she has.
{Very well, try it out and see what your men think.}
{As you wish. I shall return to discuss the price.}

As she leaves, she does a little dance.

{I haven't lost my touch!}
{Now I can buy that new loom that I have coveted!}
{That sale just put me into the Golden Spool Club!}
{I shall fetch more samples.}
_Camouflage: node 26903
Sara Thimble arrives with the tree outfits.

{We finally finished sewing the leaves on the branches.

{This is one of our most successful items. If your men
wear these, no one will see them coming.

{I shall 'leaf' you to your own decision. Heh heh. A little humor
that I picked up from the tree doctor.}

Do you:
[a] Try it on.
[b] Buy it.
[c] Ask to see what else she has.
{As you wish, Sire. I shall have one of my girls help with the
branches.}
{Tremendous! We can discuss the price when I return.}

As she leaves, she does a little dance.

{This guy is starting to grow on me!}
{Thank God! I went out on a limb with this one.}
{I guess the leaf joke worked!}
{Very well, I shall return with more samples.}
_Camouflage: node 26904
Sara Thimble arrives with the enemy uniforms.

{Sire, it is best that you do not know where I obtained this design.

{Let me just say that my girls have many talents.

{These uniforms have obvious benefits. If your men wear these,
your enemy will be blamed for whatever your men do.}

Do you:
[a] Try it on.
[b] Buy it.
[c] Ask to see what else she has.
{As you wish.}
{But I suggest you do this in private. You might say this is a
hot item.}
{Excellent selection! When I return, we can discuss the price.}

As she leaves, she does a little dance.

{This will pay for that new thatched roof on the house!}
{I just might be able to afford that new dining set!}
{Now I can go shopping!}
{I understand. Enemy uniforms are a bit risky. I shall
return with some more conventional samples in a few days.}
_Camouflage: node 26905
Sara Thimble returns, ready to show you the horse outfits.

{This costume requires two people: the front end and the
back end. I know you have the wisdom to be able to assign
these positions.

{Horse outfits provide a perfect means of distracting the enemy.
Your men can act like a herd of horses.
When they get close enough, they can attack.

{Do not wait. This item is going fast! Even the monks have ordered
a dozen.}

Do you:
[a] Try it on.
[b] Buy it.
[c] Ask to see what else she has.
{Very good, I shall be here to help put on the head.}
{Thank you, Sire. I shall see you soon to discuss the price.}

As she leaves, she does a little dance.

{Wait until I tell the girls about this one!}
{It is getting harder and harder to earn gold today.}
{That sale just put me into the Golden Spool Club!}
{I shall fetch my samples.}

-------------
Cluster: 2691
-------------

_Camouflage: node 26915
Sara Thimble returns, hoping to show you more items.

{Sire, I hope you are ready to be dazzled. I have my latest and
greatest designs to show you.}

Do you:
[a] Look at the nun outfits.
[a] Look at the tree outfits.
[b] Look at the enemy uniforms.
[b] Look at the horse outfits.
[c] Tell her to go away.
{Superb choice. The nun outfits are quite
habit-forming. I shall have a sample in
a few days.}
{The tree outfits. Excellent choice! Even the bark is real.
I shall be back with a sample in a few days.}
{The enemy uniforms are a wonderful choice, Sire.
I should be able to mock up a sample in a few days.}
{Horse outfits are always a crowd pleaser.
I shall return in a few days to show you a sample.}
{I see that you are not ready to make a decision. I shall come
back in a few days.}
_Camouflage: node 26916
A young squire, pursued by an anxious Sara Thimble, arrives.

{Sire, the men have voted! They all agree that this costume
would be superb in battle. They recommend that you buy it.}
{Sire, the men agree that using this costume would be a cunning
strategy. Thumbs up!}
{Sire, these costumes are the best thing since swords! When can
we get them?}

Do you:
[a] Buy it.
[b] Don't buy it.
[c] Ask to see what else she has.
{Thank you, Sire. I shall return shortly to discuss the price.}

She seems quite pleased.

{It is getting harder and harder to earn gold today.}
{I just might beat out that pesky dung salesman for
Wheeler-Dealer of the Month!}
{And I thought this was going to be a hard sell!}
{Sire, I will give you several days to mull it over.
I shall return to see how you are doing.}
{As you wish. I shall return in a few days.}
_Camouflage: node 26917
A young squire, pursued by a concerned Sara Thimble, arrives.

{Sire, the men have sent me here to find out what
ails you. What made you think that this was
a good idea?}
{The men have sent me here to ask you...ARE YOU CRAZY?}
{Sire, this costume is quite possibly the worst idea you
have ever had.}

Do you:
[a] Buy it anyway.
[b] Don't buy it.
[c] Ask to see what else Sara has.
{Excellent selection! When I return we can discuss my price.}

Sara smiles,

{Now I can pay off that annoying bill collector
and get my head seamstress out of debtor's prison!}
{What a soft touch! I should come here more often!}
{This will get me into a new flat in the good part of town!}
Sare frowns,

{I see. Still, I will see you once more. Perhaps you will have
a change of heart.}
She says,

{Thank you, Sire. I shall return with wonderful offerings for you.}

-------------
Cluster: 2700
-------------

_Camouflage: node 27008
Sara Thimble is ready to talk business.

{Sire, I am flexible on the cost. My girls can work within your
budget. But remember that they are more motivated if the price is
right.}

Do you:
[a] Barter.
[b] Pay 1 Gold.
[c] Pay 2 Gold.
{I can work with you. What do you have to offer?}

Do you barter:
[a] Crops.
[b] Timber.
[c] Iron.
{Crops.}

How much:
[a] 5 percent.
[b] 10 percent.
[c] Change your mind.
{Five percent sounds very reasonable.}

As she leaves, she leans over to her assistant,
{Get the returns out. It looks like we
have found a buyer.}
{Is this guy cheap, or what? He will learn
to pay for quality if he wants it.}
{Time to clear out the old inventory!}
{Ten percent sounds very reasonable.}

As she leaves, she leans over to her assistant,
{We shall give him the newest ones.}
{I suppose we had better give him the good ones.}
{We had better make some good ones this time.}
{Typical man. Can never make up his mind.}
{Timber.}

How much:
[a] 5 percent.
[b] 10 percent.
[c] Change your mind.
{Five percent sounds very reasonable.}


As she leaves, she leans over to her assistant,
{Get the returns out. It looks like we
found a buyer.}
{This guy sure is a cheapskate. Maybe someday he will
{learn to pay for quality if he wants it.}
{We shall give him the seconds.}
{Ten percent sounds very reasonable.}

As she leaves, she leans over to her assistant,
{We shall give him the newest ones.}
{I think we should give him the good ones.}
{We should try to make some good ones this time.}
{Changed your mind?}
{Iron}

How much:
[a] 5 percent.
[b] 10 percent.
[c] Change your mind.
{Five percent sounds very reasonable.}

As she leaves, she leans over to her
assistant,
{Get the returns out. It appears that we have
found a buyer.}
{What a loser! He will learn his lesson some day.}
{We shall give him the seconds.}
{Ten percent sounds very reasonable.}

As she leaves, she leans over to her assistant,
{We shall give him the newest ones.}
{I want to give him the good ones.}
{Perhaps we should actually try to deliver the goods, eh?}
{Changed your mind?}
{Thank you, Sire! I see that you are on a tight budget.}

As she leaves, she leans over to her assistant,

{Get the returns out. It appears that we have found a buyer.}
{Is this guy cheap, or what? He will learn
{to pay for quality if he wants it.}
{We shall give him the seconds.}
{For you, Sire, only the best! It is a pleasure doing
business with you.}

As she leaves, she leans over to her assistant,
{He will probably expect decent quality. We had better get busy!}
{No seconds for this guy.}
{We may actually have to make some new ones.}
_Exit Plague Part II: node 27009
Sara Thimble appears once more.

{Sire, have you changed your mind about my wares?}

Do you:
[a] Say {NO!} and erect a No Solicitors sign.
[b] Ask her to show what she has.
{Sire, I detect a subtle hint of disapproval in your voice.
I will leave.}
{Very well. I shall be but a moment while I
retrieve them from my cart.}

-------------
Cluster: 2710
-------------

_Fertilizer: node 27100
Sir Vincent, the local fertilizer salesperson, arrives
to peddle his dung. It is a dirty job, but someone has to do it.

{Your Majesty, I have a fine selection of dung for you today.

{Which type would you like to experience?}

Do you:
[a] Inspect the Premium Dung.
[b] Inspect the Economy Dung.
[c] Inspect the Plain Wrap Dung.
[d] Tell him {No, thanks.}
{Splendid choice. The Premium Dung always
makes an impact. I will be back with
some samples in a few days.}
{The Economy Dung is an apt choice, Sire.
I will be back after I let it ferment for a day or two.}
{Plain Wrap Dung, as you wish.}

As he leaves, he murmurs under his breath,

{What a cheap dunghead!}
{Sire, I will return in a week when you are not so busy.}

As Sir Vincent leaves, he murmurs under his breath,

{Obviously, a throne does not a great King make.}
_Fertilizer: node 27102
Sir Vincent returns with a Premium Dung sample.

{This is the creme de la creme of dung. Sire, this will make
your tomatoes robust, your zucchini long and hard, and your
foliage large and leafy.

{Who could turn down an offer like this?}

Do you:
[a] Ask to see the other choices.
[b] Buy it for 2 Gold.
[c] Tell him to go away.
{As you wish. I will not force you to buy. But I cannot be
deterred quite so easily.}

As Sir Vincent leaves, he mumbles,

{This is a much harder sale than I had anticipated!}
{So much for the burgeoning merchant classes once destined to
bring an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity to the
European continent.}
{This job stinks!}
{I smell a deal yet!}
{Excellent selection! What an nose for a deal you have, Sire.}

Sir Vincent dances out of the room, babbling,

{Chump! He fell for ye olde Premium Dung trick.}
{Now I can afford to get those dung stains removed
from the floor!}
{That shipment will allow me to breathe easier!}
{What? Doth your dung not stink? I will be back.}
_Fertilizer: node 27103
Sir Vincent arrives with the Economy Dung.

{The Economy Dung is our most popular grade.

{This will make your crops grow at a slightly higher rate,
if used in the proper proportions.}

Do you:
[a] Ask to see the other choices.
[b] Buy it for 1 Gold.
[c] Barter.
[d] Tell him to go away.
{I see that you like to shop around. Very well.
In a few days, I shall bring to you another prime pile of dung.}

He mumbles as he leaves,

{Bummer! Now I have to get my dung together again.}
{Same dung, different day.}
{I suppose that is how the dung falls.}
{Sire, what a thrifty choice. The Economy Dung is just
the ticket for a man such as yourself.}

As Sir Vincent leaves, he snickers audibly,

{Who says this job pays like dung?}
{This sale could put me into the Dung
Slingers Hall of Fame!}
{Whoopee! Now I can afford to buy that state-of-the-art
dung shovel!}
{A wheeler-dealer. I like that. I will present my offer forthwith.}
{I can understand not wanting my dung. But must you be
so gruff? I will call again, Sire.}
_Fertilizer: node 27104
Sir Vincent is back with the Plain Wrap Dung.

{Sire, the Plain Wrap Dung is our most cost-effective dung.

{It is highly popular with my economically disadvantaged customers.}

Do you:
[a] Reconsider and ask to see other choices.
[b] Buy it for 1 Gold.
[c] Barter.
[d] Tell him to go away.
{As you wish. I will scrape up some samples.}

{It's a dung deal!}
{Peddling this dung is getting really old!}
{Another day, another pile of dung to sell.}
{Such an eye for a bargain. How gold-wise you are, Sire.}

As Sir Vincent leaves, he smiles to himself and whispers,

{Now I can get rid of the big pile of dung
from the stable!}
{I cannot wait to tell the folks back at the
home castle about this!}
{Now I can afford to take a bath.}
{That Dung Mover of the Year award is still within reach!}
{So, you want to deal? I will be ready to bargain in a few days.}
{Sire, does my dung offend you? I will leave for now, but
not forever.}

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 2720
-------------

_Fertilizer: node 27203
Sir Vincent enters, this time with his accountant.

{I can work with you. What do you have to offer?}

Do you barter:
[a] Iron.
[b] Timber.
[c] Change your mind.
{Iron.}

How much:
[a] 5 percent.
[b] 10 percent.
[c] Change your mind.
{Five percent is acceptable.}

As Sir Vincent leaves, he leans over to his accountant,

{Get the ripe dung out. It seems that we have
found a buyer.}
{This guy drives a hard bargain. But I know my dung, and
he will get what he paid for.}
{We will give him the dog dung.}
{Ten percent should be quite sufficient.}

As he leaves, he leans over to the accountant,

{This guy knows his dung. We might actually have to give him
the good stuff.}
{Do you know what this means? We can buy those
shovels now!}
{Perhaps we can finally ship those cow patties.}
{You certainly are fickle. I will return in a few days.}
{Timber.}

How much:
[a] 5 percent.
[b] 10 percent.
[c] Change your mind.
{Five percent is acceptable.}

Sir Vincent turns to his companion, saying,
{Get the ripe dung out. It looks like we
found a buyer.}
{This guy drives a hard bargain. But I know my dung, and
he will get what he paid for.}
{Be sure to throw in plenty of sawdust.}
{Ten percent. Hmmm. I suppose that will be adequate.}

He turns to his accountant as he leaves,

{This guy knows his dung. We might have to give him the
good stuff.}
{Why do I always get stuck with the intelligent ones?}
{Perhaps we can ship those cow patties.}
{What an indecisive person! I will return in a few days.}
{Sire, sooner or later you must make a decision.}
_Fertilizer: node 27204
Sir Vincent returns, hoping to show you more items.

{Sire, my dung is the best you will find this side of heaven.
I know that you are a busy man, but please honor me with a moment of
your valuable time. I guarantee that you will not regret it.}

Do you:
[a] Inspect the Premium Dung.
[b] Inspect the Economy Dung.
[c] Inspect the Plain Wrap Dung.
[d] Tell him {No, thanks.}
{The Premium Dung is a outstanding choice. I shall have a sample
for you in a day or two.}
{The Economy Dung is a tried-and-true choice.
I will bring a sample in a few days.}
{The Plain Wrap Dung is a economical choice, Sire.
I should be able to scrape together a sample in a few days.}
{I see that you are not ready to make a decision. I am sure that
matters will be different in a few days.}
_Fertilizer: node 27205
Sir Vincent returns, ready to show his dung.

{Now, Sire, I know that you were not interested on my previous visit,
but I thought that the aroma of this fresh dung would persuade you to
give me another chance. I have some lovely filth here.

{What do you think?

{Honestly, have you ever smelled dung this pungent before?}

A guard pales, then drops face first into Sir Vincent's dung sample.

{What better endorsement can I find?

{Now will you please reconsider and let me show you my goods?}

Do you:
[a] Say yes.
[b] Say no.
{Thank you, Great One. Do not fret about this mess. I will
get some dung remover from my cart and have it cleaned up
in two shakes of a lamb's tail.}
{You do not have to beat me over the head. I will leave.}

As he leaves, he mumbles

{Let him clean it up, then.}
{He had better watch where he steps. My dung is everywhere!}
{Dung happens!}

-------------
Cluster: 2730
-------------

_Fertilizer: node 27303
Sir Vincent is back. The dung is certainly well seasoned today.

{Sire, you must buy today.}

The guards drag him from your presence.

{The dung is going to hit the wall now! Just you wait!}
{He had better watch where he steps. And perhaps he should warn
the others in his household as well.}
{Me thinketh thou art a dunghead!}
_Fertilizer: node 27304
The head cook comes with dung news.

{Sire, that dung you purchased has become the seasoning
of choice among the most elite.

{Thank you for your generous gift. You have made the nobles very happy.}
_Fertilizer: node 27305
A villager comes to visit. He is wearing a scarf around his face.

{Sire, that dung you bought truly stinks!

{The aroma has driven most of the villagers to the hills. They are
in a fine state over this matter.}
_Fertilizer: node 27306
A farmer comes to inform you of how the dung fared in the fields.

{Sire, this is superb dung! The zucchini have never
been bigger.}
{You certainly know your dung, Sire! The crops are
flourishing.}
{Sire, that new dung really works. The tomatoes are rounder and
juicier than I have ever seen in my life!}
_Fertilizer: node 27307
A farmer comes to inform you of how the dung fared in the fields.

{That dung was not very potent. I think you must have
received a spoiled batch. There was no significant
change in the crops. Next time, smell it first.}
{That dung was old dung. Next time, try
smelling it first.}
{Sire, thou hast been dealt a rotten hand. That dung
was worthless, and did almost nothing for us. I think you got a bad
pile this time.}
_Fertilizer: node 27308
A farmer comes to inform you of how the dung fared in the fields.

{Sire, that dung was defective. It killed part of our harvest.

{It was much too hearty for our delicate crops.

{Please be more careful next time.
Remember, you cannot trust a man who sells dung.}
{Sire, that dung really stank. It killed part of our crops.

{It is a sad world in which one cannot even find good dung!}
{That dung you bought was bad news. It killed part of our
most fruitful crops.

{Sire, do you not know how to find a trustworthy dung dealer?}
_Exit Plague Part II: node 27309
A farmer comes to inform you of how the dung fared in the fields.

{Sire, I have terrible news. The crops were scorched by that
dung you bought.

{Next time, try throwing it against the wall.
If it sticks, it is good dung. Otherwise, send it back.}
{Sire, that dung dealer is as worthless as his product.

{That shipment of dung massacred our harvest.

{I only hope that we will be able to salvage a portion of the crops.}
{The dung ruined some of our most fertile fields.

{That dung dealer must have done a tremendous sales job
on you to make you buy that pile.

{Next time, do us all a favor and leave the dung-buying to the
experts!}

-------------
Cluster: 2740
-------------

_Genetic Engineer: node 27400
Dr. Snodgrass, a botanical genetic engineer, arrives.
He is considered to be the best in his field.

{Sire, I have developed some breakthrough techniques for
the cultivation of plants. For many years, I have
refined these skills. Now I wish to offer my services to you.
I can teach your farmers how to improve their crops
and produce the most fertile harvest in history.

{Which technique would you like me to describe?}

Your choices:
[a] Twice as Fast but Half as Pretty.
[b] Twice as Tasty but Half as Big.
[c] Twice as Big but Half as Tasty.
[d] Tell him that you are not interested.
{The TFHP (Twice as Fast but Half as Pretty) method
is a fine decision. I will return with the information
you requested. Thank you for your time.}
{Thank you, Sire. I will return with information on
the TTHB (Twice as Tasty but Half as Big) method.
I thought you might like the tasty method. It is a popular
choice.}
{Very well. The TBHT (Twice as Big but Half as Tasty)
leaflet is being reprinted. I will be back when the ink has
dried. Thank you for your interest.}
{I see that you need some time
to get comfortable with this new technique.
I will be back in a week.}

As Dr. Snodgrass leaves, he murmurs under his breath,

{I am sure the idea will grow on him.}
{What a relief! The ink on the leaflets is not dry yet!}
{I had better write that down on my calendar.}
_Genetic Engineer: node 27402
Dr. Snodgrass arrives with a brochure on the
{Twice as Fast but Half as Pretty Method.}

{Sire, this method results in plants that grow twice as fast
as normal. However, they are not as attractive.

{If you want volume and are not worried about the
appearance of the produce, this is the method for you.

{Would you like me to start the treatment?}

Do you:
[a] Say no and ask to look at the other choices.
[b] Buy it for 1 Gold.
[c] Barter.
[d] Tell him to take a hike.
{Very well, I will come back when you have more time
to discuss the other choices.}

As Dr. Snodgrass leaves, he mumbles,
{He is not as open-minded as I thought!}
{What a relief! The ink on the leaflets is not dry yet!}
{I had better write that down on my calendar.}
{Wonderful! I will begin the process today.}

Dr. Snodgrass dances out of the room, babbling.

{Superb! I have been dying to try this technique in
this climate!}
{Now I can afford those new row markers for the garden!}
{Finally, a chance to experiment with this technique!}
{So, you like to barter.}
{Did I mention that I was once a used cart salesman?
Oops, perhaps I forgot. I will be back to deal.}
{Take a hike? Sire, there is no need to be rude.}
_Genetic Engineer: node 27403
Dr. Snodgrass arrives with a handbill on the
{Twice as Tasty but Half as Big Method.}

{This method is popular with many villagers,
especially those with a taste for fine foodstuffs.
The farmers, however, do not appreciate the low yields.

{If you like fabulous food in small quantities, this is the method
for you!

{Shall I begin the process, Sire?}

Do you:
[a] Say no and ask to look at the other choices.
[b] Buy it for 1 Gold.
[c] Barter.
[d] Tell him to take a hike.
{Very well. I will return with my product sheets.}

He is mumbling as he leaves,

{Gosh, I had hoped that this transaction would yield more for me.}
{Good, now I can go home and water.}
{Oh well, back to the lab for me.}
{I see you are a man who likes good food.}

Dr. Snodgrass has a bounce in his step as he leaves,
mumbling to himself,

{I had better get my secret ingredient
from the dung dealer.}
{This just might put me in the running for
Cultivator of the Year!}
{Wonderful! Now I can try engineering that
cherry tomato strain.}
{Ah, a monarch who likes to barter.}
{Did I mention that I once sold used carts? I will be back to deal.}
{Sire, I see no reason why I should wish to take a hike.
I am quite fit already.}

-------------
Cluster: 2750
-------------

_Genetic Engineer: node 27502
Dr. Snodgrass arrives with a leaflet on the
{Twice as Big but Half as Tasty Method.}

{This method results in crops that are enormous,
but it has a significant drawback. Despite its size, the produce
does not have as pleasant a taste.

{If you like tremendous vegetables that taste like dirt, this
is the method for you.

{Shall I begin, Sire?}

Do you:
[a] Say no and ask to look at the other choices.
[b] Buy it for 1 Gold.
[c] Barter.
[d] Tell him to take a hike.
{As you wish. I will return to discuss the
other methods that I can offer.}

Dr. Snodgrass turns to leave and mutters,

{Now I can get back to my experiments. I hate these
castle-to-castle sales trips.}
{I hope I remember to come back in a week. I think
the chemicals are ruining my memory.}
{Come back? Does this guy think I have nothing
better to do than to come back here?}
{As you wish. I will start my procedures today.}

Dr. Snodgrass struts out, whistling, and whispers,

{This will be a breeze!}
{How refreshing! Someone who is willing
to try my methods!}
{I cannot wait to tell the fellows back at the lab!}
{I see that you like to barter.
{Did I mention that I was formerly a used cart salesman?
Ah, it must have slipped my mind. I will be back to deal.}
{I think I will go for a walk. Thank you for your fine
suggestion.}
_Genetic Engineer: node 27503
Dr. Snodgrass returns.

{Sire, are you ready to negotiate? I am!}

Do you barter:
[a] Iron.
[b] Timber.
[c] Or change your mind and do not barter.
Iron

How much:
[a] 5 percent.
[b] 10 percent.
[c] Change your mind and do not barter.
{5 percent is acceptable.}

As Dr. Snodgrass leaves, he thinks aloud,

{This will be a breeze!}
{How refreshing that someone is willing
to try my methods!}
{I cannot wait to tell the fellows back at the lab!}
{10 percent? That should be quite sufficient.}

As Dr. Snodgrass leaves, he thinks aloud,
{Time to get my secret ingredient
from the dung dealer.}
{This just might put me in the running for
Cultivator of the Year!}
{Wonderful! Now I can try engineering that
cherry tomato plant.}
{I will return in a few days and see if you have
made a decision.}
Timber

How much:
[a] 5 percent.
[b] 10 percent.
[c] Change your mind and do not barter.
{5 percent is acceptable.}

As Dr. Snodgrass leaves, he thinks aloud,
{Good. I need some timber to make flower boxes.}
{These castle-to-castle sales are finally paying off.}
{Timber is very useful in my business.}
{10 percent! That should be quite sufficient.}

As Dr. Snodgrass leaves, he thinks aloud,
{I have to get busy! First thing to do is get the
secret ingredient. Now...what was it again?}
{Magnificent! Now I can get get my hands dirty.
I love the feeling of dirt under my fingernails.}
{Fabulous! I can try out my latest experiments.}
{I shall return.}
{Sire, try to open your mind to this new concept.}
_Genetic Engineer: node 27504
Dr. Snodgrass, the Genetic Engineer, returns.

{Sire, will you reconsider and allow me to
work with your farmers to improve your crops?

{On which technique would you like more information?}

Your choices:
[a] Twice as Fast but Half as Pretty.
[b] Twice as Tasty but Half as Big.
[c] Twice as Big but Half as Tasty.
[d] Tell him that you are not interested.
{The TFHP (Twice as Fast but Half as Pretty) method
is a fine decision. I will return with the information
you requested. Thank you for your time.}
{Thank you, Sire, I will return with information on
The TTHB (Twice as Tasty but Half as Big) method.
I thought you might like the tasty approach. It is a popular
choice.}
{Very well, the TBHT (Twice as Big but Half as Tasty)
leaflet is being reprinted. I will be back when the ink has
dried. Thank you for your interest.}
{I see that you need some time
to get comfortable with this new technique.
I will be back in a week.}

As Dr. Snodgrass leaves, he murmurs under his breath,
{The idea will certainly grow on him.}
{What a relief! The ink on the leaflets is not dry yet!}
{Now, if I could just remember to write that down
on my calendar.}
_Genetic Engineer: node 27505
Dr. Snodgrass returns to discuss his services.

{Sire, I hope that you have had a change of heart. My methods
are very successful, with little risk.

{Will you please reconsider?}

Do you:
[a] Say yes.
[b] Say no.
{Sire, thank you for this opportunity. You will not regret
this change of heart.}
{Sire, I will not bother you again.}

He hangs his head in disbelief and turns to leave. He mumbles,

{Some people do not have the vision I possess!}
{He would not know an E. coli if it bit him!}
{Perhaps now I will have time to
weed the garden!}

-------------
Cluster: 2760
-------------

_Genetic Engineer: node 27603
Dr. Snodgrass returns for one last attempt.

{I fervently wish that the seed of hope that I planted in your head has
grown. Have you reconsidered my offer?}

The guards move in to remove him from your presence.

{I see that your mind has no fertile ground for such new ideas!}
{No need to get rough! By God, you really are
as hard-headed as an oak tree!}
{Sire, I will leave under my own power, thank you!}

As Dr. Snodgrass leaves, he turns to you.

{May your crops dry up and wither away!}
_Genetic Engineer: node 27604
The head cook arrives carrying a basket of fresh vegetables.

{Sire, Dr. Snodgrass is a miracle worker.

{The fields are even more fertile than some of our young
maidens!}
{The foliage has never been so green and leafy!
And the farmers' wives are truly happy with
the size of their melons.}
{The vegetables have never been so tasty.
The villagers are walking on air and feeling healthier.}
_Genetic Engineer: node 27605
A very tired farmer comes to visit.

{Sire, whatever that Dr. Snodgrass did to the crops has worked too well!

{The plants are producing so much that the farmers must work
overtime to harvest the fruit before it rots on the vine.}

He yawns.

{I speak for all when I say that we do not relish this drudgery!}
_Genetic Engineer: node 27606
A farmer comes with news from the fields.

{Sire, this Snodgrass fellow is truly outstanding in his field.
The crops have grown beyond anything we could have ever
imagined.

{One farmer grew a four-foot zucchini...er, I think it was
a zucchini.

{At any rate, thank you.}
{Sire! The crops have truly flourished!

{Dr. Snodgrass certainly has a green arm!

{Or maybe he was just wearing a green shirt.

{No matter. He surely has a way with plants!}
{Sire, thank you for sending Dr. Snodgrass!

{The crops have never looked so voluptuous!
The knights are volunteering to help harvest the
the tomatoes!}
_Genetic Engineer: node 27607
A farmer comes with news from the fields.

{Dr. Snodgrass was not as impressive as we thought.

{Although our yields did improve, the result was barely
more than we would normally expect.

{He is not as good as he imagines himself to be.}
{Snodgrass is a pleasant enough fellow, but he is not the
miracle worker he claims to be. Our yields did improve,
but only slightly.}
{Dr. Snodgrass puts on a good show, but the results were
just not as impressive as he claimed they would be. The
yields showed a slight improvement, but not as much as we had
anticipated.}
_Genetic Engineer: node 27608
A very tired farmer comes to visit.

{Sire, Dr. Snodgrass' methods did not work. In fact, he
even destroyed some perfectly good corn.

{I think you were hoodwinked by a smooth-talking salesman.}
{Sire, that Dr. Snodgrass is a charlatan of the highest order.

{We saw no change in the yields. And
he even ruined a field that was producing well.

{You should be more careful in the future, and check
the references of those you would hire.}
{What a charlatan that Snodgrass turned out to be!

{Not only did he fail to enhance our yields, he actually ruined
a perfectly good field of tomatoes.}
_Exit Plague Part II: node 27609
A very tired farmer comes to visit.

{Sire, I have good news and bad news.

{The good news is that Dr. Snodgrass was a huge success.

{The bad news is that the crops have grown so much that
the farmers cannot keep up with their work. They
will be unable to bring in all the crops.}
{Additionally, because the farmers are so exhausted,
they have not brought their harvest to us. Our stockpiles
are being depleted.}
{Sire, that Dr. Snodgrass is possessed of extraordinary talents.

{The crops have flourished with his methods, but we
do not have the manpower to bring this bountiful harvest home.
And we will lose some of the crops that we already have.

Disheartened, he hangs his head and leaves.
{That Snodgrass is singularly successful!

{The crops flourished because of his methods, and now
there is no way for the farmers to finish their harvesting.
Worse yet, the farmers are too tired to tend to the current inventory,
so some has been lost.}

-------------
Cluster: 2770
-------------

_Dowser: node 27700
Madame Zelda, a dowser from a faraway village, arrives with an
interesting proposition.

She flips open her cape and stomps her foot.

{I am Madame Zelda!

{I have been summoned to this place by a great power.
I sense there is much wealth beneath the soil.
Please let me help you find these underground riches.
She pulls the hood away from her face. With a mysterious
lilt in her voice, she begins to speak.

{I am Madame Zelda.

{A very powerful feeling has brought me here.
My instincts tell me there is much wealth under this land.
I must find it. I MUST!
The old crone hobbles to your side. She slowly pulls back
her hood and begins to whisper in your ear.

{I am Madame Zelda. I feel that there is much wealth here.
For the right price I can tell you where to find it.

{My terms are as follows:

{For 2 Gold, I will use my powerful dowsing rod. It has
been very good to my previous clients. Very good indeed!

{For 1 Gold, I can use an ordinary broom, but you take your chances.
I am very powerful, even with a broom, although it is not as effective as
my enchanted dowsing rod.}

Bowing slightly, she says,

{It is your decision, Sire. I am at your disposal.}

Do you:
[a] Pay 2 Gold and have Madame Zelda use the dowsing rod.
[b] Pay 1 Gold and have Madame Zelda use a broom.
[c] Find your own stick and send your own men to do it.
{Excellent. Excellent! I will start this afternoon.}

Madame Zelda closes her cape as she leaves. She is
heard muttering to herself,
{I have a good feeling about this man!}
{I had better find a stick in a hurry!}
{Hee, Hee, HEE! Wait until I tell the girls back
at the castle!}
{As you wish, Sire. Of course, you will need to provide the broom.

Madame Zelda adjusts her hood to cover her head and part
of her face. She leaves mumbling,

{The broom? This man must think I am a witch!}
{The broom again! Well, at least I can sweep up when
I am done digging!}
{I can really clean up with this broom idea!
It is sweeping my patrons away!}
{Sire, dowsing should be left to professionals such as myself.}

Madame Zelda is escorted out of the room,
shrieking as she leaves,

{For your safety and that of your villagers,
I beg of you to reconsider!}
{Sire, this is most dangerous! You will enrage the powers that be.}
{You know not what you do, Sire! Please reconsider!}
_Dowser: node 27702
Douglas, a young man from the village, comes bearing news.

{Sire, Sire! A new vein of iron has been found. The village is
all abuzz about the find. Although it is only a small amount, about
ten percent of our current supply, it gives hope that more can be
found. Please, Sire, continue to look!}

Do you:
[a] Try it again.
[b] Quit.
{Thank you, Sire. THANK YOU! I will send for Madame Zelda.}

He dances from the room, bellowing,

{Let the dowsing continue!}
Jumping up and down, he runs from the
room gleefully, yelling,

{He said yes! He said YES!!}
The young man cannot contain his excitement. He
leans over and gives you a kiss on the cheek.

{You are truly a grand leader. Thank you!}
{But... but Sire, how can you say no? We did rather well the
first time. Why not give it one more try? Please?}

He is removed from the room by the guards.

{Sire, I am sure that the entire village will feel the same
disappointment that I do.}
He is asked politely to leave.

{I will leave, Sire. But let me express to you how
truly dejected this will make the villagers. They were
so encouraged by the find.}

He hangs his head and slowly slinks out of the room.
He hangs his head and slowly shuffles out of the room.

{Sire, I think that you do not realize how excited
the villagers were about this remarkable occurrence.
They will be very disappointed that you have dispensed with
this magical resource so swiftly.}

-------------
Cluster: 2771
-------------

_Dowser: node 27713
Emily, a young maiden from the village, comes bearing news.

{I have extraordinary news, Sire! The dowsing has worked!

{A new vein of iron has been discovered. It is worth about a
quarter of our current supply. The villagers can talk of nothing
else. Even the most skeptical are amazed by the results.

{Please, allow the dowsing to continue! Please, Sire!}

Do you:
[a] Try it again.
[b] Quit.
Emily falls to her knees and kisses your hand.

{Sire, you are a most glorious leader! Thank you!

{I will send for Madame Zelda.}
{Sire, Thank you! You are so generous!

{I will send for Madame Zelda. She is most helpful.}
{Sire, I am so happy that you feel the same as we do!

{I will find Madame Zelda and send her to you.}
Emily begins to sob quietly.

{Sire, everyone will be truly disheartened by this
decision!}

Emily turns to leave, wiping the tears from her face.
{As you wish. I hope you realize that
the villagers will be disappointed by this decision. But it
is your choice.}
She wipes a tear from her cheek.

{This is very disheartening, Sire. But, if this is what
you desire, I will pass the news onto the villagers.}

Emily continues to sob and blow her nose as she
slowly shuffles from the room.
_Dowser: node 27714
Madame Zelda returns from her dowsing mission.

{Sire, sometimes things do not go as planned, as I am sure you
know. No new minerals have been found to date.

{But, if you are willing give me another chance, I shall return shortly
to review the arrangements with you.}

Do you:
[a] Try it again.
[b] Quit.
Madame Zelda nods in agreement.

{As you wish, Sire. I am enchanted to have the
opportunity to serve you.}
{Majestic idea, Sire. I shall return when the powers tell
me that the time is right.}
{Thank you for your faith in my powers. I will return
when I sense that the time is right.}
Madame Zelda coils up like a cat ready to attack and hisses,

{You do not realize how you have upset the powers! You
will regret my dismissal.}
{Sire, you are clashing with very powerful forces!}
{You are very stubborn! I sense that you will regret
this action.}
_Dowser: node 27715
Madame Zelda returns to discuss her dowsing services.

She slowly opens her cape to reveal a dowsing rod
strapped to her hip.

{I, Madame Zelda, have returned!

{The powers tell me that this is the optimal time to look for
minerals in your soil.
She reveals a dowsing rod to you. Thunder rumbles and
a chill falls upon the room. Madame Zelda scowls.

{I have great powers! They can serve you...or work
against you. It is your decision.
She flips open her cape, pulls out her dowsing rod,
and points it directly between your eyes.

{I am Madame Zelda. I sense there is great wealth
beneath this ground. Allow me to use my powers to find it.

{My terms are as follows:

{For 2 Gold, I will use my powerful dowsing rod. It has
been very good to my previous clients. Very good indeed!

{For 1 Gold, I will use an ordinary broom.
My powers are potent, even with a broom. However, a broom may not
be as effective as my enchanted dowsing rod.}

Bowing slightly, she says,

{I will do as you wish.}

Do you:
[a] Pay 2 Gold and have Madame Zelda use her dowsing rod.
[b] Pay 1 Gold and have Madame Zelda use a broom.
[c] Find your own stick and have your men do it.
{Wonderful, Sire. I will start this afternoon.}

Madame Zelda mutters to herself,

{I hope this old stick does the trick!}
A cracking noise is heard. Madame Zelda hurries out the door.

{Oh, no! I had better find another stick}
Madame Zelda mutters to herself,

{Goodness gracious, I am getting too old for this shtick!}
{The broom is such an unusual choice, Sire.}

Madame Zelda adjusts her cape and leaves. She mutters
to herself,

{The broom? I cannot believe he picked the broom! This
guy is a lot more chintzy than I thought!}
{The broom again! Well, at least I can sweep up when
I am done digging!}
{The broom. An excellent choice -- I suppose.}
{Sire, dowsing is not for amateurs. It should be left to
professionals such as myself.}

Madame Zelda is ordered to leave.
As she is escorted out of your presence, she shrieks,

{For the well-being of all,
I beg you to reconsider!}
{Sire, I must register my protests! Such actions
could enrage the forces that be!}
{Sire, be careful, for you know not what you do!}

-------------
Cluster: 2781
-------------

_Dowser: node 27815
William, a local villager, comes bearing phenomenal news.

{Sire, Gold was found! While dowsing, we found
gold! I bring you this treasure.}

He hands you a bag filled with gold dust worth 3 Gold.

{Sire, the village is so thrilled with this discovery. Thank you
for your faith.}
{Can you believe it? Gold! Thank you for believing, Sire!}
{The village is buzzing with the news. All know of your
support. Thank you!}
_Dowser: node 27816
Richard, a local villager, dashes in to bring you news.

{Sire, we had such a surprise. The dowsing has led us to
gold. Not iron, but gold! It was only a meager amount,
but I am sure that you will gladly enrich your treasury with this.}

He hands you a bag with gold dust worth 1 Gold.
_Dowser: node 27817
Emily, a young maiden from the village, arrives in high spirits.

{I have extraordinary news, Sire! The dowsing has worked!

{It led us to a new vein of iron. The find is worth about a
quarter of our current supply.

{Thank you for keeping the faith.}
{The villagers are grateful for your support!}
{Sire, we all wish to express our heartfelt
gratitude for your support.}

-------------
Cluster: 2790
-------------

_Dowser: node 27907
Madame Zelda returns to say farewell.

{Sire, I have enjoyed my experiences here. I hope that you will
think of me in the future. In fact, I sense that you will.}
{It has been an enchanting experience! Please call on me again
if the forces possess you.}
{I do believe that this has been a most fortuitous experience!
I sense that we will meet again.}
_Dowser: node 27908
Walter, a local farmer, arrives.

{Sire, the dowsing has met with success. However, it is
not quite what we expected. We found water.

{The villagers are disappointed. We need iron and gold,
not mere water!

{Ultimately, the people will understand that you did your best. For
now, however, they are disillusioned.}
_Exit Plague Part II: node 27909
Emily, a young maiden from the village, dances joyfully into your presence.

{I have incredible news, Sire! The dowsing has worked!

{It has lead us to a new vein of iron. It is worth nearly
half of our current supply. Is this not the most wonderful news?}

-------------
Cluster: 2800
-------------

_Plague Plot Part I node n28007
Sir Derek, an army commanders arrives. He looks a little green.

{Sire, there has been another outbreak. This was no accident.

{Rumors are flying that Elma, the headmistress, is angry about
the way you have treated her.
The rumor mill says she might be responsible.}

Do you:
[a] Refuse to reinstate the headmistress.
[b] Agree to reinstate the headmistress.
[c] Have Elma, the headmistress, killed.
{Although this will not be very popular with the people,
it is probably for the best.}
{Reinstate? Are you crazy? This woman is a health hazard
to the community. Or at least anyone who eats her cooking!}
{On the other hand, she is a sweet old woman! I can see
why you would not want to throw her out on the streets.}
{Killed? Is that not slightly harsh? Why not make her do
dishes for the rest of her life instead?}
{Good idea? You like that dishes idea?

{What a relief! I will cancel the orders to have
her killed. This will make the people much happier.}
_Plague Plot Part I node n28008
One of the maiden in training comes to visit.

{Sire, I am Elizabeth. I have come on behalf of my whole class.
We wish to apologize for the mix up with the spoiled mushrooms.
Thank you for being so understanding.}

She bows her head slightly and bats her big brown eyes at you.

{To help make the men feel better, the girls and I have been
waiting on them hand and foot. I fear they like it too much.
However, they are almost back to normal.
Too bad, I like big, brawny, vulnerable men!

{Now Sire, I hope that you do not blame poor Elma. This is
not her fault. She feels terrible about this whole mess. In
fact, it was her idea to care for the men.

{We believe that she deserves a raise of 1 Gold. She is truly
a diligent worker with your best interest at heart.}

Elizabeth winks at you.

{So what do you say big boy?}

Do you:
[a] Send your deepest gratitude to the girls but no raise.
[b] Agree to pay the 1 Gold raise.
[c] Tell her it will take more than a wink for you to pay 1 Gold.
Rolling her big, brown eyes in disgust.

{Thanks a whole lot, Sire.

{You know money talks louder than words!}

She flips her hair and struts out of the room.
{Thank you, Sire. I will be back tonight to show you how
I appreciate your generosity.}
{Oh yeah? What would it take? You cranky old man!}

Elizabeth is fuming as she leaves.
_Exit Plague Plot Part I node n28009
Sir Derek, an army commander, is back.

{Sire, the men are slow to recover. This food poisoning has really
taken a toll on their health and well being. Some are still not
well yet.}
{And I hate to mention it, but some more took ill this very morning.

{Sire I pray we will be back to normal soon. We have just one
request. PLEASE keep the girls away from the pots and pans
for a while!}

-------------
Cluster: 2901
-------------

_Mother May I? Charles
_MMI Cha: node 29011
Queen Catherine calls on you.
{Count, I have three fair daughters of marrying age. I know you are
a rogue, but I still offer you the eldest, Prunella. Marrying her
would certainly increase your popularity. Do you accept my offer?}

[a] Yes.
[b] Ask for another daughter.
[c] No.
She smiles shrewdly.
{Your reputation as a poor businessman is clearly
unfounded. Prunella will soon come to call.}
{Marriages should not be arranged in haste. I shall contact
you when I have an answer.}
{But Count, even one as boorish as yourself must realize
your people are unhappy. You must at least pretend you are
human.}

[a] Agree to marry Prunella.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{Count, you are smarter than people say.}
She sniffs in disdain.
{Mark my words, Prunella will someday rule alongside
the King of Bretagne. Good day.}
_MMI Cha: node 29012
A messenger delivers a box of candied cherries.
{Sire, Queen Catherine offers this appeasement for her rude
behavior during her last visit. She also says Prunella is still
available, but you must act quickly.}

Do you:
[a] Accept the gift.
[b] Give it to the messenger.
[c] Send it back.
[d] Agree to marry Prunella.
He gives you the cherries and leaves.
He kneels.
{Sire, your graciousness is as uncommon as the rarest jewel.
I shall savor every bite.}
He nods.
{I shall return them to Queen Catherine.}
{Sire, let me be the first to congratulate you. I shall
inform Queen Catherine at once.}
_MMI Cha: node 29013
After wolfing down Queen Catherine's cherries, you suffer
a blinding headache. Finally, a good trephining relieves your
pain.
_MMI Cha: node 29014
A messenger you've never seen before enters.
{Sire, I am your new messenger, Geofrey. Your former messenger
was found dead this morning, face down in a box of candied
cherries.}
_MMI Cha: node 29015
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{Friends do not return peace offerings. You shall hear from me.}
_MMI Cha: node 29016
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess Prunella, to
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy, the future King of Bretagne.}
Ramiro, King of Aragon, the future ruler of Bretagne.}
Henri, Duke of Anjou. He is more a man than thou.}
_MMI Cha: node 29017
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased that you have come to your senses. Prunella will soon
come to call.}
_MMI Cha: node 29018
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I shall never do business with you again. Not even
in Hell.}

-------------
Cluster: 2902
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29021
Princess Prunella arrives. She is voluptuous, with
breasts like jutting turrets.
{Sire, I have heard so much about you. I hope it is all true.
I must say you are very handsome, too. May I stay at the castle
while the engagement parade is prepared?}

[a] Let her stay.
[b] Send her home.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Prunella bows, showing ample cleavage.
{I look forward to every minute.}
Prunella's face drops.
{Your wish is my command. I shall await my summons.}
Prunella cries:
{How can you treat me this way? Am I not lovely?
Am I not influential? Am I not agreeable? Sire, you
are lowlier than rat droppings. Good day!}
_MMI Cha: node 29022
Prunella enters. She is crying.
{Sire, I have fallen in love with Phillip of Burgundy.
Please free me so I may marry him.}
{Sire, I still find you very attractive, but I have fallen
in love with Ramiro of Aragon. Please set me free.}
{Sire, I have fallen in love with Henri of Anjou.
Please free me so I may be his wife.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
Prunella beams.
{Oh Sire, I shall always remember your kindness!}
{Oh Sire, I just want to die!}
_MMI Cha: node 29023
Queen Catherine visits.
{Count, you can forget the engagement. Your kingdom is practically
worthless. Certainly not worthy of Prunella! If you again rise to
power, I may call on you again.}
_MMI Cha: node 29024
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I request that you free Princess Prunella. For her, I will
give you a chest of jewels.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Count, if you free the fair Princess Prunella, I will give
you 100 hard-working serfs. What is your reply?}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{I must bother you because I'm blue. You see, I love Prunella true.
I would be your friend for life if you will let her be my wife.}

Do you:
[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A chest of jewels and a message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{Bless you for freeing Prunella. Enjoy the jewels, for
I need them not. I have the brightest gem of all.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{As promised, I am sending 100 serfs to your kingdom.
I hope you will be as happy as myself.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{I, for one, shall never call you a miser. You hath
given me my heart's desire.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I cannot believe you will not free Prunella. I am very
distressed.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{You are both selfish and a fool for keeping Prunella
against her will. This has severely damaged our
relationship.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{A man who keeps Prunella from me will forever be my enemy.}
_MMI Cha: node 29026
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with trained doves costs 2 Gold. One featuring 100
white stallions costs 1 Gold. What is your wish?}

[a] Doves.
[b] Stallions.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{It shall be done.}
{I shall begin preparations.}
He gasps.
{But Sire! If you don't have a parade, the people may
riot. They are very restless these days.}

Do you choose:
[a] Doves - 2 Gold.
[b] Stallions - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He sighs in relief.
{Sire, I am sure you made the right decision.}
He smiles.
{Excellent, Sire.}
He sighs.
{As you wish.}
_MMI Cha: node 29027
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I do not understand why you sent Prunella home. If this
engagement is to continue, you must plan the traditional parade
at once.}

Do you:
[a] Ignore her.
[b] Plan the parade.

-------------
Cluster: 2903
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29031
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss flowers at you and your blushing betrothed, then
proceed to throw a merry riot. Prunella is thrilled.
_MMI Cha: node 29032
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The surly
villagers hurl turnips and dung at you and Prunella. The mob turns
into a riot, and the royal procession must flee to the castle.
_MMI Cha: node 29033
Prunella enters. She is crying.
{Count, the people are taunting me because you haven't held a
parade in my honor. Won't you please show them you love me?}

[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She kisses you on the cheek.
{Oh, thank you! You are truly kind.}
She falls to her knees.
{Oh Count, I just want to die!}
_MMI Cha: node 29034
Queen Catherine arrives. Her nostrils flare with fury.
{How dare you have no parade? Prunella must be honored! Now!!}

[a] Agree.
[b] Scoff at her.
She glares.
{I look forward to the ceremony.}
She bares her sharp teeth.
{You will regret this!}
_MMI Cha: node 29035
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Count, a parade with trained falcons costs 2 Gold. One
with jugglers costs 1 Gold. Which do you prefer?}

[a] Falcons.
[b] Jugglers.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{Very well. I shall commence preparations.}
He nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
{But Sire, surely you knew a ceremony would cost something.
Why not have a small parade?}

Do you choose:
[a] The small parade.
[b] Nothing.
{I am glad you reconsidered. It shall be done.}
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Cha: node 29036
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{Sire, it is time to commemorate Princess Prunella. A tower would
cost 2 Gold, a statue, 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing,
but still be quite touching.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Excellent. It shall be done.}
He nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
He smiles.
{I thought that might appeal to you.}
He smiles.
{I see. Very well.}
_MMI Cha: node 29037
Queen Catherine sends a message.
{I hereby renounce your engagement to Prunella. You can forget
about my other daughters, too, you dog.}

-------------
Cluster: 2904
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29041
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Prunella ate some green kumquats this morn, and now she is
feverish and delirious.}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows, revealing ample cleavage.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
She bows, revealing ample cleavage.
{Yes, Sire.}
_MMI Cha: node 29042
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
{Prunella is gone! She left this note:
'I am sorry, but I cannot accept the dreadful destiny of being your
Queen. Farewell and good luck.'}
_MMI Cha: node 29043
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Prunella is dead! She left this note:
'I am sorry, but I could not endure the thought of our marriage. With
death, I find solace in being close to God. Say hello to Mother.'}
_MMI Cha: node 29044
Prunella's nurse enters.
{Prunella is greatly recovered, but she could use a spiritual
boost. I think this is a good time to commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{Very well, Sire.}
Her eyes avoid yours.
{As you wish.}
_MMI Cha: node 29045
Prunella's nurse enters.
{Prunella is dead. With her last breaths, she asked for you to
remember her. Shall I call the royal ceremony planner?}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Agree.
She glares.
{As you wish.}
She nods.
{I shall send for him.}
_MMI Cha: node 29046
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{To commemorate Princess Prunella, I suggest a tower costing 2 Gold.
A statue would cost only 1 Gold. A song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{Very good, Sire.}
He smiles.
{I thought you might like that. A song it shall be.}
He smiles.
{I see.}
_MMI Cha: node 29047
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You have gone too far. I hope you roast in Hell.}

-------------
Cluster: 2905
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29051
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Commemorating the princess with a bridge would cost 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Count, your judgment is superb. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{It shall be done, my liege.}
He smiles.
{It shall be done, my liege.}
He frowns.
{As you wish, my liege.}
Prunella's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people joyously throw rotten potatoes and dung.
Prunella chokes back a sob with a fierce smile. She exclaims:
{I shall never forget this day!}
Prunella's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The jeering people throw prunes. The mob turns into a rioting
throng.
Horrified, Prunella gasps:
{I want to go home to mother!}
_MMI Cha: node 29059 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 2911
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29111
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I have considered your request, and I consent to let you marry my
second daughter, Griselda. She will soon come to call.}
_MMI Cha: node 29116
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess Griselda, to
Ramiro, King of Aragon.}
Henri, Duke of Anjou.}
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy.}
_MMI Cha: node 29118
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{Count, you are a scoundrel. I shall never do business with
you again.}

-------------
Cluster: 2912
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29121
Princess Griselda arrives. She has the face of a horse and the
body of a pig. She smells about as good, too. She says:
{Count, I am sure our union will be a profitable one. Indeed, I
cannot wait for you to lavish me with my first gift.}

[a] Throw her a trinket.
[b] Laugh at her.
[c] Promise her anything.
You give her a golden goblet. She spits on it.
{A goblet? What use have I for such a thing? Jewels would
certainly be more appropriate.}

[a] Give her jewels.
[b] Send her home.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Smiling, she slips a sapphire bracelet on her wrist.
{I think we shall get along very well.}
She stomps her foot.
{How dare you treat me like a child? Count, you are
a swine!}
She laughs.
{Ha! I wouldn't have married you anyway. You have the face
of a dog, the body of a boar, and you smell like a
goat!}
She spits.
{How dare you! Queen Catherine shall hear about this!}
She laughs.
{Promises are sweet, but worthless. I trust you will soon give
me something more tangible.}
_MMI Cha: node 29122
Griselda comes to see you. Her tiny eyes glow with determination.
{Count, I love Ramiro of Aragon. His business acumen thrills
me beyond words. You must free me.}
{Count, I am love with Henri of Anjou. I know he is scrawny
and weak, but I love him anyway. You must free me.}
{Count, we must sever our engagement. I love Phillip of
Burgundy. He is so romantic, unlike thou.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
She laughs.
{Count, for the first time, I actually like you!}
She sneers:
{Count, you are a snake. I hope someone crushes you.}
_MMI Cha: node 29123
Queen Catherine visits.
{Count, the engagement is off. Your kingdom is worthless,
but Griselda is not. If you ever rise to power again, maybe then
I shall call on you.}
_MMI Cha: node 29124
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Free Princess Griselda, and I shall give you 200 of my
finest wenches. What is your reply?}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{Please give Griselda to me, for our love is one of destiny.
I will e'er stick by your side if you will let Griselda be my bride.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{If you free Princess Griselda so that we may wed, I shall
give you my entire wine cellar.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{As promised, I am sending 200 wenches. I hope you
will be as happy as myself.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{Thank you for setting Griselda free. You shall
always get respect from me.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{Bless you for freeing Griselda. Enjoy the wine, for
I need it not. I have the richest intoxicant of all.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{You are a fool to keep Griselda against her will.
This has severely damaged our relationship.}
A message arrives from Henri, Duke of Anjou.
{You will not let Griselda go, so I shall be
your mortal foe.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I am very disappointed that you will not free
Griselda. I thought we were friends.}
_MMI Cha: node 29126
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with fireworks costs 2 Gold. One with magicians
costs 1 Gold. What is your desire, Sire?}

[a] Fireworks.
[b] Magicians.
[c] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Count, your judgment is unsurpassed. It shall be done.}
{I shall begin preparations.}
{But Sire! The people already complain that they scarcely
see you. You must show you are thinking of them.}

Do you choose:
[a] Fireworks - 2 Gold.
[b] Magicians - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{I am very pleased. It shall be done.}
{Very good, my liege.}
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Cha: node 29127
A messenger arrives.
{Count, Queen Catherine is distressed that you sent Griselda home.
She says you must plan the traditional parade in honor of the engagement
immediately.}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Plan the parade.
{I shall deliver the message, Sire.}
{I shall notify the royal ceremony planner.}

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 2913
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29131
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss flowers at you and your betrothed.
Griselda grumbles:
{I would think they could throw something of value!}
_MMI Cha: node 29132
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The jeering
villagers hurl rotten potatoes at you and Griselda. She spits
on them and shouts:
{Laugh now, fools, for I shall tax you until you until you die
horrible deaths! Ha ha!}
_MMI Cha: node 29133
Griselda enters.
{Count, the people are scoffing at me because there has been no
parade. What sort of a man are you anyway? Where is my parade?}

[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{I am glad you came to your senses.}
She sneers:
{You are such a fool.}
_MMI Cha: node 29134
Queen Catherine enters.
{How dare you have no engagement parade? You must treat Griselda
with respect!}

[a] Give in.
[b] Refuse.
She grimaces.
{Count, you are very wise.}
She shakes her fist.
{You will be sorry!}
_MMI Cha: node 29135
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{A parade with elephants costs 2 Gold. One with 1,000 choirs
costs 1 Gold. Which shall it be?}

[a] Elephants.
[b] Choirs.
[c] Nothing.
He smiles.
{It shall be done.}
{Very good, Sire.}
{But Sire! Why then, did you call me? You simply must
have a parade. It is tradition.}

Do you choose:
[a] Elephants - 2 Gold.
[b] Choirs - 1 Gold.
[c] To dismiss him.
{Count, I am glad you reconsidered. It shall be done.}
{Very good, my liege.}
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Cha: node 29136
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{Sire, it is time to commemorate Princess Griselda. A tower would
cost 2 Gold, a statue, 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your taste is excellent. It shall be done.}
{Very good, Sire.}
{A song it shall be.}
{I am sorry to hear this, my liege.}
_MMI Cha: node 29137
Queen Catherine sends a message.
{I hereby renounce your engagement to Griselda for you have
proven to be unworthy of her.}

-------------
Cluster: 2914
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29141
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Griselda is gravely ill. She drank some ancient Bordeaux,
and now we cannot awaken her.}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Cha: node 29142
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire, Griselda is gone! She left a note. It says:
'What did you expect, you snake?'}
_MMI Cha: node 29143
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Griselda is dead! She left a note. It says:
'Count, I wish I were you.'}
_MMI Cha: node 29144
Griselda's nurse enters.
{Sire, Griselda is greatly recovered, but she could still use a
lift. I think this is a good time to commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
{As you wish.}
_MMI Cha: node 29145
Griselda's nurse enters.
{Sire, Griselda is dead. With her last breaths, she said,
'Make him pay...Make him pay...' Shall I call the royal ceremony
planner?}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Agree.
She nods.
{As you wish.}
She nods.
{I shall send for him.}
_MMI Cha: node 29146
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, I suggest a tower costing 2 Gold to commemorate Princess Griselda.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. A song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{It shall be done.}
{Very good, Sire.}
{A song it shall be.}
{Very well, my liege.}
_MMI Cha: node 29147
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You shall pay, Count. You shall pay.}

-------------
Cluster: 2915
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29151
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, commemorating the princess with a bridge would cost 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. A song, nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{Your judgment is superb. It shall be done.}
{It shall be done, my liege.}
{Very well, my liege.}
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Cha: node 29152
Griselda's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people ooh and ah.
Griselda laughs.
{What fools! I can't wait to dominate them.}
_MMI Cha: node 29153
Griselda's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people jeer and throw old soup bones. The mob turns into
a rioting throng.
Griselda laughs.
{Finally, I'm having some fun!}
_MMI Cha: node 29159 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 2921
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29211
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I have considered your request, and I consent to let you marry my
third daughter, Priscilla. She will soon come to call.}
_MMI Cha: node 29216
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess Priscilla, to
Ramiro, King of Aragon. It is unfortunate you
missed your chance.}
Henri, Duke of Anjou. It is unfortunate you
missed your chance.}
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy. It is unfortunate
you missed your chance.}
_MMI Cha: node 29218
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am sorry my daughters do not meet your high standards. I
shall never offer you anything again.}

-------------
Cluster: 2922
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29221
Your newly betrothed Priscilla arrives. She has the face of a
goat and the body of a child. At least she smells terrific.
{Sire, together, we shall make this kingdom great. Let us lower
taxes and liberate the people! They will be forever loyal.}

[a] Agree.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Priscilla kisses you on the brow. She sighs:
{Count, you are noble indeed!}
Priscilla flushes.
{I thought you were kind. Now I don't know what to believe.
Good day.}
Priscilla flushes.
{I understand.}
_MMI Cha: node 29222
Priscilla enters. She holds her chin high.
{Henri of Anjou and I are in love. Please show your love and
free me.}

{Sire, I must go. Phillip of Burgundy and I love each
other very much, and we wish to wed.}
{Sire, I am sorry, but I am in love with Ramiro of Aragon.
I must be with him. Please free me.}

Do you:
[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
She kisses your hand.
{Bless you, Sire, and farewell.}
She turns white.
{Sire, I am devastated.}
_MMI Cha: node 29223
Queen Catherine visits.
{Count, the engagement is off. Your lowly kingdom is not worthy of my
fair Priscilla. Good day.}
_MMI Cha: node 29224
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{I love Priscilla and Priscilla loves me. Won't you be
kind and set her free?}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I request that you free Princess Priscilla. For her, I will
give you 100 of my fastest steeds.}

A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{If you free Princess Priscilla, I will give you my reknowned
art collection. What is your reply?}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A message arrives from Henri, Duke of Anjou.
{Count, thou are truly great. We shall soon set our
wedding date.}
A message arrives from Phillip, Duke of Burgundy.
{Bless you for freeing Priscilla. The steeds are
on their way.}
A message arrives from Ramiro, King of Aragon.
{As promised, I am sending my treasured art collection.
I hope you will be as happy as myself.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{You will not let Priscilla go, so I shall be
your mortal foe.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I am very disappointed that you will not free
Priscilla. I thought we were friends.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{You are both selfish and a fool for keeping Priscilla
against her will. This has severely damaged our
relationship.}
_MMI Cha: node 29226
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with mimes costs 2 Gold. One with dancing dogs costs
1 Gold. Which shall it be?}

[a] Mimes.
[b] Dogs.
[c] Nothing.
{Excellent choice, Sire. It shall be done.}
{I shall begin preparations.}
{But Sire, the people love Priscilla. They eagerly await
a parade.}

Do you choose:
[a] Mimes - 2 Gold.
[b] Dogs - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He smiles.
{I am very pleased. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{Very well, my liege.}
He sighs:
{I understand, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 2923
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29231
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss roses at you and your betrothed.
Priscilla shouts:
{Rejoice, o' people of Valois! When I am Queen, we shall all
share alike. All men will be equal! And no more taxes!}
Your stomach churns as you watch the villagers go berserk. A riot
ensues.
_MMI Cha: node 29232
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The villagers hurl
rotten potatoes at you and Priscilla. She shouts:
{You may despise me now, but when we eliminate all taxes, you
shall love your Queen!}
The people jeer. Your glare goes unnoticed by Priscilla.
_MMI Cha: node 29233
Priscilla strides in.
{Sire, the people are unhappy because there has been no parade.
Isn't it time to have one?}
Do you:
[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{You are kind indeed.}
She looks you in the eye.
{I pray your people don't turn against you.}
_MMI Cha: node 29234
Queen Catherine arrives.
{How dare you have no parade? Priscilla is very popular and
influential. She must be honored!}

[a] Give in.
[b] Refuse.
She laughs.
{I cannot believe how tiresome you are.}
{Count, you will regret this!}
_MMI Cha: node 29235
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{A parade with costumed ponies costs 2 Gold. One with trained monkeys
costs 1 Gold. Which do you prefer?}

Do you choose:
[a] Ponies.
[b] Monkeys.
[c] Nothing.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. It shall be done.}
He nods.
{Very good.}
He bows his head.
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Cha: node 29236
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{A tower commemorating Princess Priscilla would cost 2 Gold, a
statue, 1 Gold. A lovely song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{Your taste is excellent. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{Very good, Sire.}
He smiles wryly.
{A song it shall be.}
He frowns.
{I am sorry to hear this, my liege.}
_MMI Cha: node 29237
Queen Catherine sends a message.
{I hereby renounce your engagement to Priscilla. Count, you hath
lost all.}

-------------
Cluster: 2924
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29241
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Priscilla is gravely ill. She ate some apples this morning,
and now we cannot awaken her!}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
She bows.
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Cha: node 29242
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
{Priscilla is gone! She left a note. It says:
'My soul guides me elsewhere. Farewell, Sire.'}
_MMI Cha: node 29243
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Priscilla is dead! She left a note. It says:
'Farewell, cruel world. I loved you so.'}
_MMI Cha: node 29244
Priscilla's nurse enters.
{Priscilla's fate is still uncertain. A spiritual boost would help.
Perhaps you could commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{Very well.}
She nods.
{As you wish.}
_MMI Cha: node 29245
Priscilla's nurse enters.
{Priscilla is dead. With her last breaths, she said,
'Don't pity me. It is lovely here. So bright...'
Do you wish for a commemoration?}

[a] No.
[b] Yes.
She nods.
{As you wish.}
{I shall send for one.}
_MMI Cha: node 29246
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{I suggest commemorating Princess Priscilla with a tower. It would
cost 2 Gold. A statue would cost 1 Gold, and a song would
cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
He nods.
{Very good.}
He frowns.
{A song it shall be.}
He frowns.
{Very well, my liege.}
_MMI Cha: node 29247
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I shall never forget you were responsible for this.}

-------------
Cluster: 2925
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29251
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{I recommend commemorating the princess with a bridge costing 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. Of course, a song costs nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{Sire, your judgment is superb. It shall be done.}
He nods.
{It shall be done.}
He frowns.
{It shall be done.}
{But Sire! Princess Priscilla will be so hurt. Please
reconsider.}

Do you choose:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{I am very pleased.}
He smiles.
{It shall be done.}
He nods.
{As you wish, my liege.}
He frowns.
Very well, Sire.
_MMI Cha: node 29253
Priscilla's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people react with resounding oohs and ahs.
Priscilla beams.
{These truly are my people!}
_MMI Cha: node 29252
Priscilla's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people jeer and throw old soup bones. The mob turns into
a rioting throng.
Priscilla sighs.
{Someday they will love me!}
_MMI Cha: node 29259 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 2931
-------------

_Mother May I? Ramiro
_MMI Ram: node 29311
Queen Catherine calls on you.
{Sire, I have three fair daughters of marrying age. I know you are
a shrewd businessman, so I offer you the eldest, Prunella. Marrying her
would certainly increase your popularity. Shall it be done?}

[a] Yes.
[b] Ask for another daughter.
[c] No.
She smiles.
{You are a man with taste. Prunella will soon come to call.}
{That is an interesting proposal. I shall contact you when I
have an answer.}
{But Sire, Prunella is so desirable and you will certainly
have to wed some day. Why not take the best while you can?}

[a] Agree to marry Prunella.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{Your judgment is supreme.}
She scowls.
{And I thought you had a brain!}
_MMI Ram: node 29312
A messenger delivers a box of candied cherries.
{Sire, Queen Catherine offers this appeasement for her rude
behavior during her last visit. She also says Prunella is still
available, but you must act quickly.}

Do you:
[a] Accept the gift.
[b] Give it to the messenger.
[c] Send it back.
[d] Agree to marry Prunella.
He gives you the cherries and leaves.
He kisses your feet.
{You are benevolent indeed!}
He nods.
{I shall return them to Queen Catherine.}
{I shall inform Queen Catherine at once.}
_MMI Ram: node 29313
After sampling Queen Catherine's cherries, you suffer
violent cramping. Finally, a good leeching relieves your
pain.
_MMI Ram: node 29314
A messenger you've never seen before enters.
{Sire, I am your new messenger, John. Your former messenger
was found dead this morning, face down in a box of candied
cherries.}
_MMI Ram: node 29315
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{It is not good business to return peace offerings. You shall hear
from me.}
_MMI Ram: node 29316
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess Prunella, to
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy. He has good sense.}
Charles, King of Valois. He has good sense.}
Henri, Duke of Anjou. He was desparate.}
_MMI Ram: node 29317
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You have made the right decision. Prunella will soon
come to call.}
_MMI Ram: node 29318
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I shall never do business with a dog like you again.}

-------------
Cluster: 2932
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29321
Princess Prunella arrives. She has the face of an ox and the body
of a pig.
{Sire, I hope we shall be happy. May I stay at the castle
while the engagement parade is prepared?}

[a] Let her stay.
[b] Send her home.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Prunella bows.
{Thank you, Sire.}
Prunella's face drops.
{As you wish.}
Prunella cries:
{How can you be so cruel? I shall tell the kingdom about this!}
_MMI Ram: node 29322
Prunella enters. She is crying.
{Sire, I have fallen in love with Phillip of Burgundy.
Please free me so I may marry him.}
{Sire, I still find you very attractive, but I have fallen
in love with Charles of Valois. Please set me free.}
{Sire, I have fallen in love with Henri of Anjou.
Please free me so I may be his wife.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
Prunella beams.
{Oh Sire, I shall tell the kingdom of your kindness!}
{Oh Sire, I just want to die!}
_MMI Ram: node 29323
Queen Catherine visits.
{Sire, you can forget the engagement. Your kingdom is practically
worthless. Certainly not worthy of Prunella! If you again rise to
power, I may call on you again.}
_MMI Ram: node 29324
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I request that you free Princess Prunella. For her, I will
give you a chest of jewels.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Sire, if you free the fair Princess Prunella, I will give
you 100 hard-working *****s. If you don't, I shall slay you.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{I must bother you because I'm blue. You see, I love Prunella true.
I would be your friend for life if you will let her be my wife.}

Do you:
[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A chest of jewels and a message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{Bless you for freeing Prunella. Enjoy the jewels, for
I need them not. I have the brightest gem of all.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{The *****s are on their way. Kiss them for me.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{I, for one, shall never call you a miser. You hath
given me my heart's desire.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I cannot believe you will not free Prunella. I am very
distressed.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Enjoy your last breaths.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{A man who keeps Prunella from me will ever be my enemy.}
_MMI Ram: node 29326
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with blackbird pie costs 2 Gold. One featuring 100
minstrels costs 1 Gold. What is your wish?}

[a] Pie.
[b] Minstrels.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{It shall be done.}
{I shall begin preparations.}
He gasps.
{But Sire! It is impolite not to have a parade. Think
of your image.}

Do you choose:
[a] Pie - 2 Gold.
[b] Minstrels - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He sighs in relief.
{Sire, I am sure you made the right decision.}
He smiles.
{Excellent, Sire.}
He sighs.
{As you wish.}
_MMI Ram: node 29327
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I do not understand why you sent Prunella home. If this
engagement is to continue, you must plan the traditional parade
at once.}

Do you:
[a] Ignore her.
[b] Plan the parade.

-------------
Cluster: 2933
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29331
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss gold at you and your blushing betrothed.
Prunella looks wistful, but smiles at you.
_MMI Ram: node 29332
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The surly
villagers jeer at you and Prunella. She sighs:
{I cannot wait to become Queen.}
_MMI Ram: node 29333
Prunella enters. She is crying.
{Sire, the people mock me because you haven't held a
parade in my honor. Won't you please show them you love me?}

[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She kisses you on the cheek.
{Oh, thank you! You are truly kind.}
She falls to her knees.
{Oh Sire, I just want to die!}
_MMI Ram: node 29334
Queen Catherine arrives. Her nostrils flare with fury.
{How dare you have no parade? Prunella must be honored! Now!!}

[a] Agree.
[b] Scoff at her.
She glares.
{Thank you, Sire.}
She bares her sharp teeth.
{You will be sorry!}
_MMI Ram: node 29335
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, a parade with trained parakeets costs 2 Gold. One
with fire dancers costs 1 Gold. Which do you prefer?}

[a] Parakeets.
[b] Dancers.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{Very well. I shall commence preparations.}
He nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
{But Sire, surely you knew a ceremony would cost something.
Why not have a small parade?}

Do you choose:
[a] The small parade.
[b] Nothing.
{I am glad you reconsidered. It shall be done.}
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Ram: node 29336
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{Sire, it is time to commemorate Princess Prunella. A tower would
cost 2 Gold, a statue, 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing,
but still be quite touching.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Excellent. It shall be done.}
He nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
He nods.
{Very well.}
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Ram: node 29337
Queen Catherine sends a message.
{I hereby renounce your engagement to Prunella, and my other daughters
shall never be available for you.}

-------------
Cluster: 2934
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29341
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
Sire! Prunella ate some curds and whey this morn, and now she cannot
stop twitching!}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
She bows.
{Yes, Sire.}
_MMI Ram: node 29342
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
{Prunella is gone! She left this note:
'I am sorry, but I cannot accept the dreadful destiny of being your
Queen. Farewell and good luck.'}
_MMI Ram: node 29343
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Prunella is dead! She left this note:
'I am sorry, but I could not endure the thought of our marriage. With
death, I find solace in being close to God. Say hello to Mother.'}
_MMI Ram: node 29344
Prunella's nurse enters.
Prunella is greatly recovered, but she could use a spiritual
boost. I think this is a good time to commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{Very well, Sire.}
Her eyes avoid yours.
{As you wish.}
_MMI Ram: node 29345
Prunella's nurse enters.
{Prunella is dead. With her last breaths, she asked for you to
remember her. Shall I call the royal ceremony planner?}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Agree.
She glares.
{As you wish.}
She nods.
{I shall send for him.}
_MMI Ram: node 29346
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{To commemorate Princess Prunella, I suggest a tower costing 2 Gold.
A statue would cost only 1 Gold. A song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{Very good, Sire.}
He smiles.
{I thought you might like that. A song it shall be.}
He smiles.
{I see.}
_MMI Ram: node 29347
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You have gone too far. I hope you roast in Hell.}

-------------
Cluster: 2935
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29351
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Commemorating the princess with a bridge would cost 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your judgment is superb. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{It shall be done, my liege.}
He smiles.
{It shall be done, my liege.}
He frowns.
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Ram: node 29352
Prunella's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people joyously throw gemstones and rosebuds.
Prunella chokes back a sob with a fierce smile. She exclaims:
{I shall never forget this day!}
_MMI Ram: node 29353
Prunella's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The jeering people throw stones.
Horrified, Prunella gasps:
{I want to go home to mother!}
_MMI Ram: node 29359 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 2941
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29511
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I have considered your request, and I consent to let you marry my
second daughter, Griselda. She will soon come to call.}
_MMI Ram: node 29416
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess Griselda, to
Charles, King of Valois.}
Henri, Duke of Anjou.}
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy.}
_MMI Ram: node 29418
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{Sire, you are a disappointment. I shall never do business with
you again.}

-------------
Cluster: 2942
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29421
Princess Griselda arrives. She is sharp and stylish, with long,
chestnut hair. She says:
{Sire, I am sure our union will be a profitable one. Indeed, I
cannot wait for you to lavish me with my first gift.}

[a] Give her a bauble.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Promise her anything.
You give her a golden harp. She spits on it.
{A harp? That is a plaything for servants. Jewels would
certainly be more appropriate.}

[a] Give her jewels.
[b] Send her home.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Smiling, she dons a diamond tiara.
{I think we shall get along very well.}
She stomps her foot.
{How dare you treat me like a child? Sire, you are
a lout!}
She laughs.
{I wouldn't have married you anyway. You have the face
of a horse and the body of a pig!}
She spits.
{How dare you! Queen Catherine shall hear about this!}
She laughs.
{Promises are sweet, but worthless. I trust you will soon give
me something more tangible.}
_MMI Ram: node 29422
Griselda comes to see you. Her green eyes glow with determination.
{Sire, I love Charles of Valois. He is a true leader who will
someday be King of Bretagne. You must free me.}
{Sire, I am love with Henri of Anjou. I know he is not very
smart, nor powerful, but I love him anyway. You must free me.}
{Sire, we must sever our engagement. I love Phillip of
Burgundy. He is so romantic, unlike thou.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
She smiles.
{Sire, you are thoroughly decent.}
She sneers:
{Sire, you show poor judgment indeed.}
_MMI Ram: node 29423
Queen Catherine visits.
{Sire, the engagement is off. Your kingdom is worthless,
but Griselda is not. If you ever rise to power again, maybe then
I shall call on you.}
_MMI Ram: node 29424
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Free Princess Griselda, and I shall give you 200 of my
finest *****s. If not, I shall slay you.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{If you free Princess Griselda so that we may wed, I shall
give you my entire wine cellar.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{Please give Griselda to me, for our love is one of destiny.
I will e'er stick by your side if you will let Griselda be my bride.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{I am sending 200 *****s. You shall live
for now.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{Bless you for freeing Griselda. Enjoy the wine, for
I need it not. I have the richest intoxicant of all.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{Thank you for setting Griselda free. You shall
always get respect from me.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{You are a fool to keep Griselda against her will.
This has severely damaged our relationship.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I am very disappointed that you will not free
Griselda. I thought we were friends.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{You will not let Griselda go, so I shall be
your mortal foe.}
_MMI Ram: node 29426
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with virgin sopranos costs 2 Gold. One with magicians
costs 1 Gold. What is your desire, Sire?}

[a] Virgins.
[b] Magicians.
[c] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. It shall be done.}
{I shall begin preparations.}
{But Sire! The people already complain that they scarcely
see you. You must show you are thinking of them.}

Do you choose:
[a] Virgins - 2 Gold.
[b] Magicians - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{I am very pleased. It shall be done.}
{Very good, my liege.}
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Ram: node 29427
A messenger arrives.
{Sire, Queen Catherine is distressed that you sent Griselda home.
She says you must plan the traditional engagement parade
immediately.}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Plan the parade.
{I shall deliver the message, Sire.}
{I shall notify the royal ceremony planner.}

-------------
Cluster: 2943
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29431
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss gold coins at you and your betrothed.
Griselda beams:
{I cannot wait for all this gold to be mine!}
_MMI Ram: node 29432
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The jeering
villagers hurl epithets at you and Griselda. She spits
on them and shouts:
{Laugh now, fools, for all you own shall soon be mine!}
_MMI Ram: node 29433
Griselda enters.
{Sire, the people are scoffing at me because there has been no
parade. What sort of a man are you anyway? Where is my parade?}

[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{I am glad you came to your senses.}
She sneers:
{And I thought I loved you.}
_MMI Ram: node 29434
Queen Catherine enters.
{How dare you have no engagement parade? You must treat Griselda
with respect!}

[a] Give in.
[b] Refuse.
She grimaces.
{Sire, you are very wise.}
She shakes her fist.
{You will be sorry!}
_MMI Ram: node 29435
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{A parade with flaming pigeons costs 2 Gold. One with flaming
cake costs 1 Gold. Which shall it be?}

[a] Pigeons.
[b] Cake.
[c] Nothing.
He smiles.
{It shall be done.}
{Very good, Sire.}
{But Sire! Why then, did you call me? You simply must
have a parade. It is tradition.}

Do you choose:
[a] Pigeons - 2 Gold.
[b] Cake - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
{Sire, I am glad you reconsidered. It shall be done.}
{Very good, my liege.}
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Ram: node 29436
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{Sire, it is time to commemorate Princess Griselda. A tower would
cost 2 Gold, a statue, 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your taste is excellent. It shall be done.}
{Very good, Sire.}
{A song it shall be.}
{I am sorry to hear this, my liege.}
_MMI Ram: node 29437
Queen Catherine sends a message.
{I hereby renounce your engagement to Griselda for you have
proven to be unworthy of her.}

-------------
Cluster: 2944
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29441
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Griselda is gravely ill. She ate some strange-looking truffles
and now we cannot awaken her.}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Ram: node 29442
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire, Griselda is gone! She left a note. It says:
'What did you expect, you miser?'}
_MMI Ram: node 29443
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Griselda is dead! She left a note. It says:
'Sire, I hope you pay.'}
_MMI Ram: node 29444
Griselda's nurse enters.
Sire, Griselda is greatly recovered, but she could still use a
lift. I think this is a good time to commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
{As you wish.}
_MMI Ram: node 29445
Griselda's nurse enters.
{Sire, Griselda is dead. With her last breaths, she said,
'Make him pay...Make him pay...' Shall I call the royal ceremony
planner?}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Agree.
She nods.
{As you wish.}
She nods.
{I shall send for him.}
_MMI Ram: node 29446
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, I suggest a tower costing 2 Gold to commemorate Princess Griselda.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. A song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{It shall be done.}
{Very good, Sire.}
{A song it shall be.}
{Very well, my liege.}
_MMI Ram: node 29447
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You shall pay, Sire. You shall pay.}

-------------
Cluster: 2945
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29451
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, commemorating the princess with a bridge would cost 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. A song, nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{Your judgment is superb. It shall be done.}
{It shall be done, my liege.}
{Very well, my liege.}
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Ram: node 29452
Griselda's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people ooh and ah.
Griselda laughs.
{What fools! I cannot wait to subjugate them to my will.}
_MMI Ram: node 29453
Griselda's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people jeer and throw old soup bones. The mob turns into
a rioting throng.
Griselda laughs.
{Finally, I'm having some fun!}
_MMI Ram: node 29459 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 2951
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29511
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I have considered your request, and I consent to let you marry my
third daughter, Priscilla. She will soon come to call.}
_MMI Ram: node 29516
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess Priscilla, to
Henri, Duke of Anjou. It is unfortunate you
missed your chance.}
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy. It is unfortunate
you missed your chance.}
Charles, King of Valois. It is unfortunate you
missed your chance.}
_MMI Ram: node 29518
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am sorry my daughters do not meet your high standards. I
shall never offer you anything again.}

-------------
Cluster: 2952
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29521
Your newly betrothed Priscilla arrives. She has the face of a
goat and the body of a child. At least she smells terrific.
{Sire, together, we shall make this kingdom great. Let us lower
taxes and liberate the people! They will be forever loyal.}

[a] Agree.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Priscilla kisses you on the brow. She sighs:
{Sire, you are noble indeed!}
Priscilla flushes.
{I thought you were kind. Now I don't know what to believe.
Good day.}
Priscilla flushes.
{I understand.}
_MMI Ram: node 29522
Priscilla enters. She holds her chin high.
{Henri of Anjou and I are in love. Please show your love and
free me.}

{Sire, I must go. Phillip of Burgundy and I love each
other very much, and we wish to wed.}
{Sire, I am sorry, but I am in love with Charles of Valois.
I must be with him. Please free me.}

Do you:
[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
She kisses your hand.
{Bless you, Sire, and farewell.}
She turns white.
{Sire, I am devastated.}
_MMI Ram: node 29523
Queen Catherine visits.
{Sire, the engagement is off. Your lowly kingdom is not worthy of my
fair Priscilla. Good day.}
_MMI Ram: node 29524
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{I love Priscilla and Priscilla loves me. Won't you be
kind and set her free?}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I request that you free Princess Priscilla. For her, I will
give you 100 of my fastest steeds.}

A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Free Princess Priscilla, and I will give you my reknowned
***** collection. Otherwise, you shall die.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{Sire, thou are truly great. We shall soon set our
wedding date.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{Bless you for freeing Priscilla. The steeds are
on their way.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{My *****s are on the way. Enjoy the rest of your short
life.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{You will not let Priscilla go, so I shall be
your mortal foe.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I am very disappointed that you will not free
Priscilla. I thought we were friends.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{You shall die for keeping Priscilla from me.}
_MMI Ram: node 29526
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with roast boar costs 2 Gold. One with dancing cats costs
1 Gold. Which shall it be?}

[a] Boar.
[b] Cats.
[c] Nothing.
{Excellent choice, Sire. It shall be done.}
{I shall begin preparations.}
{But Sire, the people love Priscilla. They eagerly await
a parade.}

Do you choose:
[a] Mimes - 2 Gold.
[b] Dogs - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He smiles.
{I am very pleased. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{Very well, my liege.}
He sighs:
{I understand, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 2953
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29531
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss roses at you and your betrothed.
Priscilla shouts:
{Rejoice, o' people of Aragon! When I am Queen, we shall all
share alike. All men will be equal! And no more taxes!}
Your stomach churns as you watch the villagers go berserk. A riot
ensues.
_MMI Ram: node 29532
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The villagers hurl
rotten beets at you and Priscilla. She shouts:
{You may despise me now, but when we eliminate all taxes, you
shall love your Queen!}
The people jeer. Your glare goes unnoticed by Priscilla.
_MMI Ram: node 29533
Priscilla strides in.
{Sire, the people are unhappy because there has been no parade.
Isn't it time to have one?}
Do you:
[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{You are kind indeed.}
She looks you in the eye.
{I pray your people don't turn against you.}
_MMI Ram: node 29534
Queen Catherine arrives.
{How dare you have no parade? Priscilla is very popular and
influential. She must be honored!}

[a] Give in.
[b] Refuse.
She sighs.
{I am glad you changed your mind.}
{Sire, you will regret this!}
_MMI Ram: node 29535
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{A parade with acrobats costs 2 Gold. One with singing monkeys
costs 1 Gold. Which do you prefer?}

Do you choose:
[a] Acrobats.
[b] Monkeys.
[c] Nothing.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. It shall be done.}
He nods.
{Very good.}
He bows his head.
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Ram: node 29536
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{A tower commemorating Princess Priscilla would cost 2 Gold, a
statue, 1 Gold. A lovely song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{Sire, your taste is excellent. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{Very good, Sire.}
He smiles wryly.
{A song it shall be.}
He frowns.
{I am sorry to hear this, my liege.}
_MMI Ram: node 29537
Queen Catherine sends a message.
{I hereby renounce your engagement to Priscilla. Sire, you are
no businessman at all.}

-------------
Cluster: 2954
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29541
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Priscilla is gravely ill. She ate some green cheese this morning,
and now we cannot awaken her!}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
She bows.
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Ram: node 29542
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
{Priscilla is gone! She left a note. It says:
'My soul guides me elsewhere. Farewell, Sire.'}
_MMI Ram: node 29543
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Priscilla is dead! She left a note. It says:
'Farewell, cruel world. I loved you so.'}
_MMI Ram: node 29544
Priscilla's nurse enters.
Priscilla's fate is still uncertain. A spiritual boost would help.
Perhaps you could commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{Very well.}
She nods.
{As you wish.}
_MMI Ram: node 29545
Priscilla's nurse enters.
{Priscilla is dead. With her last breaths, she said,
'Don't pity me. It is lovely here. So bright...'
Do you wish for a commemoration?}

[a] No.
[b] Yes.
She nods.
{As you wish.}
{I shall send for one.}
_MMI Ram: node 29546
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{I suggest commemorating Princess Priscilla with a tower. It would
cost 2 Gold. A statue would cost 1 Gold, and a song would
cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
He nods.
{Very good.}
He frowns.
{A song it shall be.}
He frowns.
{Very well, my liege.}
_MMI Ram: node 29547
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I shall never forget you were responsible for this.}

-------------
Cluster: 2955
-------------

_MMI Ram: node 29551
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{I recommend commemorating the princess with a bridge costing 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. Of course, a song costs nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{Sire, your judgment is superb. It shall be done.}
He nods.
{It shall be done.}
He frowns.
{It shall be done.}
{But Sire! Princess Priscilla will be distressed. Please
reconsider.}

Do you choose:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{I am very pleased.}
He smiles.
{It shall be done.}
He nods.
{As you wish, my liege.}
He frowns.
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Ram: node 29553
Priscilla's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people react with resounding oohs and ahs.
Priscilla beams.
{These truly are my people!}
_MMI Ram: node 29552
Priscilla's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people jeer and throw old shoes.
Priscilla sighs.
{Someday they will love me!}
_MMI Ram: node 29559 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 2961
-------------

_Mother May I? Phillip
_MMI Phi: node 29611
Queen Catherine calls on you.
{Sire, I have three fair daughters of marrying age. I offer you the eldest,
Prunella. Marrying her would certainly enhance your image.
Shall it be done?}

[a] Yes.
[b] Ask for another daughter.
[c] No.
She smiles.
{You are a charming man. Prunella will soon come to call.}
{That is an intriguing proposal. I shall contact you when I
have an answer.}
{But Sire, marriage is so vital to one's image. And your
people must expect you to have an heir.}

[a] Agree to marry Prunella.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{Your judgment is supreme.}
She scowls.
{Your image shall suffer for this!}
_MMI Phi: node 29612
A messenger delivers a box of candied cherries.
{Sire, Queen Catherine offers this appeasement for her rude
behavior during her last visit. She also says Prunella is still
available, but you must act quickly.}

Do you:
[a] Accept the gift.
[b] Give it to the messenger.
[c] Send it back.
[d] Agree to marry Prunella.
He gives you the cherries and leaves.
He bows.
{You are so kind!}
He nods.
{I shall return them to Queen Catherine.}
{I shall inform Queen Catherine at once.}
_MMI Phi: node 29613
After sampling Queen Catherine's cherries, you go blind.
Finally, the doctor's humming bird soup revives your sight.
_MMI Phi: node 29614
A messenger you've never seen before enters.
{Sire, I am your new messenger, Leonard. Your former messenger
was found dead this morning, face down in a box of candied
cherries.}
_MMI Phi: node 29615
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You were rude to return my peace offering. You shall hear
from me.}
_MMI Phi: node 29616
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess Prunella, to
Charles, King of Valois. His people are rejoicing.}
Ramiro, King of Aragon. He is rejoicing.}
Henri, Duke of Anjou. His people are rejoicing.}
_MMI Phi: node 29617
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You have made the right decision. Prunella will soon
come to call.}
_MMI Phi: node 29618
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I shall never do business with a joker like you again.}

-------------
Cluster: 2962
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29621
Princess Prunella arrives. She has the face of an ox and the body
of a pig, but her feet are very nice.
{Sire, I hear you are very kind. I hope we shall be happy. May I stay at
the castle while the engagement parade is prepared?}

[a] Let her stay.
[b] Send her home.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Prunella bows.
{Thank you, Sire.}
Prunella's face drops.
{As you wish.}
Prunella cries:
{How can you be so cruel? I shall tell the kingdom about this!}
_MMI Phi: node 29622
Prunella enters. She is crying.
{Sire, I still find you very attractive, but I have fallen
in love with Charles of Valois. Please set me free.}
{Sire, I have fallen in love with Ramiro of Aragon.
Please free me so I may marry him.}
{Sire, I have fallen in love with Henri of Anjou.
Please free me so I may be his wife.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
Prunella beams.
{Oh Sire, I shall tell the kingdom of your kindness!}
{Oh Sire, I just want to die!}
_MMI Phi: node 29623
Queen Catherine visits.
Sire, you can forget the engagement. Your kingdom is practically
worthless. Certainly not worthy of Prunella! If you again rise to
power, I may call on you again.}
_MMI Phi: node 29624
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Free the fair Princess Prunella, or I will disembowl you.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{I request that you free Princess Prunella. For her, I will
give you a cart full of jewels.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{I must bother you because I'm blue. You see, I love Prunella true.
I would be your friend for life if you will let her be my wife.}

Do you:
[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{You were wise to choose to live.}
A cart full of jewels and a message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Thank you for freeing Prunella. Enjoy the jewels.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{I, for one, shall never call you a miser. You hath
given me my heart's desire.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{I will crush you for keeping Prunella from my side.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{I cannot believe you will not free Prunella. I am very
distressed.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{A man who keeps Prunella from me will ever be my enemy.}
_MMI Phi: node 29626
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with singing magpies costs 2 Gold. One featuring 100
feather dancers costs 1 Gold. What is your wish?}

[a] Magpies.
[b] Dancers.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{It shall be done.}
{I shall begin preparations.}
He gasps.
{But Sire! The people will think ill of you if you don't have a parade.}

Do you choose:
[a] Magpies - 2 Gold.
[b] Dancers - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He sighs in relief.
{Sire, I am sure you made the right decision.}
He smiles.
{Excellent, Sire.}
He sighs.
{As you wish.}
_MMI Phi: node 29627
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I do not understand why you sent Prunella home. If this
engagement is to continue, you must plan the traditional parade
at once.}

Do you:
[a] Ignore her.
[b] Plan the parade.

-------------
Cluster: 2963
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29631
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss gold at you and your blushing betrothed.
Prunella looks wistful, but smiles.
_MMI Phi: node 29632
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The surly
villagers jeer at you and Prunella. She sighs:
{I hope this is not a mistake.}
_MMI Phi: node 29633
Prunella enters. She is crying.
{Sire, the people tease me because you haven't held a
parade in my honor. Won't you please show them you love me?}

[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She bows.
{You are truly kind.}
She falls to her knees.
{Oh Sire, I just want to die!}
_MMI Phi: node 29634
Queen Catherine arrives. Her nostrils flare with fury.
{How dare you have no parade? Prunella must be honored! Now!!}

[a] Agree.
[b] Scoff at her.
She glares.
{Thank you, Sire.}
She bares her sharp teeth.
{You will be sorry!}
_MMI Phi: node 29635
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, a parade with fire eaters costs 2 Gold. One
with dancing goats costs 1 Gold. Which do you prefer?}

[a] Fire eaters.
[b] Goats.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{Very well. I shall commence preparations.}
He nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
{But Sire, surely you knew a ceremony would cost something.
A small parade will still make a good impression.}

Do you choose:
[a] The small parade.
[b] Nothing.
{I am glad you reconsidered. It shall be done.}
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Phi: node 29636
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{Sire, it is time to commemorate Princess Prunella. A tower would
cost 2 Gold, a statue, 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing,
but still be quite touching.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Excellent. It shall be done.}
He nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
He nods.
{Very well.}
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Phi: node 29637
Queen Catherine sends a message.
{I hereby renounce your engagement to Prunella, and my other daughters
shall never be available for you.}

[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 2964
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29641
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Prunella ate some porridge this morn, and now she cannot
stop eating soap!}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
She bows.
{Yes, Sire.}
_MMI Phi: node 29642
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
{Prunella is gone! She left this note:
'I am sorry, but I cannot accept the dismal destiny of being your
Queen. Farewell and good luck.'}
_MMI Phi: node 29643
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Prunella is dead! She left this note:
'I am sorry, but I could not endure the thought of our marriage. With
death, I find solace in being close to God. Say hello to Mother.'}
_MMI Phi: node 29644
Prunella's nurse enters.
Prunella is greatly recovered, but she could use a spiritual
boost. I think this is a good time to commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{Very well, Sire.}
Her eyes avoid yours.
{As you wish.}
_MMI Phi: node 29645
Prunella's nurse enters.
{Prunella is dead. With her last breaths, she asked for you to
remember her. Shall I call the royal ceremony planner?}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Agree.
She glares.
{As you wish.}
She nods.
{I shall send for him.}
_MMI Phi: node 29646
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{To commemorate Princess Prunella, I suggest a tower costing 2 Gold.
A statue would cost only 1 Gold. A song would cost nothing, but still
seem sweet.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{Very good, Sire.}
He smiles.
{I thought you might like that. A song it shall be.}
He smiles.
{I see.}
_MMI Phi: node 29647
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You have gone too far. I hope you grow warts on your nose.}

-------------
Cluster: 2965
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29651
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Commemorating the princess with a bridge would cost 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing,
but still show you care.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your judgment is superb. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{It shall be done, my liege.}
He smiles.
{It shall be done, my liege.}
He frowns.
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Phi: node 29653
Prunella's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people joyously throw gilded peas.
Prunella chokes back a sob with a fierce smile. She exclaims:
{I shall never forget this day!}
_MMI Phi: node 29652
Prunella's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The jeering people throw boiled peas.
Horrified, Prunella gasps:
{I want to go home to mother!}
_MMI Phi: node 29659 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 2971
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29811
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I have considered your request, and I consent to let you marry my
second daughter, Griselda. She will soon come to call.}
_MMI Phi: node 29716
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess Griselda, to
Ramiro, King of Aragon.}
Charles, King of Valois.}
Henri, Duke of Anjou.}
_MMI Phi: node 29718
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{Duke, you are a disappointment. I shall never do business with
you again.}

-------------
Cluster: 2972
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29721
Princess Griselda arrives. She is sharp and stylish, but has the
face of a horse. She says:
{Sire, I am sure our union will be a profitable one. Indeed, I
cannot wait for you to lavish me with my first gift.}

[a] Give her a bauble.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Promise her anything.
You give her a golden music box. She spits on it.
{A music box? Jewels would
certainly be more appropriate.}

[a] Give her jewels.
[b] Send her home.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Smiling, she dons a diamond and ruby tiara.
{I think we shall get along very well.}
She stomps her foot.
{How dare you treat me like a child? Sire, you are
a leper!}
She laughs.
{I wouldn't have married you anyway. You have the mind
of a gnat!}
She spits.
{How dare you! Queen Catherine shall hear about this!}
She laughs.
{Promises are sweet, but worthless. I trust you will soon give
me something I can wear.}
_MMI Phi: node 29722
Griselda comes to see you. Her beady eyes glow with determination.
{Sire, we must sever our engagement. I love Ramiro of
Aragon. He is not as handsome as thou, but he hath brains.}
{Sire, I love Charles of Valois. He is a true leader who will
someday be King of Bretagne. You must free me.}
{Sire, I am love with Henri of Anjou. I know he is not very
smart, nor powerful, but I love him anyway. You must free me.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
She smiles.
{Sire, you hath done a good deed.}
She sneers:
{Sire, you show poor judgment indeed.}
_MMI Phi: node 29723
Queen Catherine visits.
{Duke, the engagement is off. Your kingdom is worthless,
but Griselda is not. If you ever rise to power again, maybe then
I shall call on you.}
_MMI Phi: node 29724
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Free Princess Griselda, and I shall give you 100 hard-working
serfs. What is your reply?}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Free Princess Griselda or I shall cut off your head.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{Please give Griselda to me, for our love is one of destiny.
I will e'er stick by your side if you will let Griselda be my bride.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Bless you for freeing Griselda. As promised, the serfs
are on the way.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{As promised, I am sending 200 *****s. I hope you
will be as happy as myself.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{Thank you for setting Griselda free. You shall
always get respect from me.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{You are a fool to keep Griselda against her will.
This has severely damaged our relationship.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{You shall soon pay the penalty for not freeing Griselda.}
A message arrives from Henri, Duke of Anjou.
{You will not let Griselda go, so I shall be
your mortal foe.}
_MMI Phi: node 29726
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with virgin sopranos costs 2 Gold. One with magicians
costs 1 Gold. What is your desire, Sire?}

[a] Virgins.
[b] Magicians.
[c] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. It shall be done.}
{I shall begin preparations.}
{But Sire! The people already complain that they scarcely
see you. You must show them you care.}

Do you choose:
[a] Virgins - 2 Gold.
[b] Magicians - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{I am very pleased. It shall be done.}
{Very good, my liege.}
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Phi: node 29727
A messenger arrives.
{Sire, Queen Catherine is distressed that you sent Griselda home.
She says you must plan the traditional parade in honor of the engagement
immediately.}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Plan the parade.
{I shall deliver the message, Sire.}
{I shall notify the royal ceremony planner.}

-------------
Cluster: 2973
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29731
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss gold coins at you and your betrothed.
Griselda beams:
{This gold is even lovelier than thou!}
_MMI Phi: node 29732
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The jeering
villagers hurl epithets at you and Griselda. She spits
on them and shouts:
{Laugh now, fools, for you shall soon be my slaves!}
_MMI Phi: node 29733
Griselda enters.
{Sire, the people look down on me because there has been no
parade. What sort of a man are you anyway? Where is my parade?}

[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{I am glad you came to your senses.}
She sneers:
{You art a pea brain.}
_MMI Phi: node 29734
Queen Catherine enters.
{How dare you have no engagement parade? You must treat Griselda
with respect!}

[a] Give in.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{You are very wise for such a small man.}
She hisses:
{You will be sorry!}
_MMI Phi: node 29735
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{A parade with brandied pigeons costs 2 Gold. One with brandied
cake costs 1 Gold. Which shall it be?}

[a] Pigeons.
[b] Cake.
[c] Nothing.
He smiles.
{It shall be done.}
{Very good, Sire.}
{But Sire! Why then, did you call me? You simply must
have a parade. It is good manners.}

Do you choose:
[a] Pigeons - 2 Gold.
[b] Cake - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
{Sire, I am glad you reconsidered. It shall be done.}
{Very good, my liege.}
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Phi: node 29736
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{Sire, it is time to commemorate Princess Griselda. A tower would
cost 2 Gold, a statue, 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your taste is superb. It shall be done.}
{Very good, Sire.}
{A song it shall be.}
{I am sorry to hear this, my liege.}
_MMI Phi: node 29737
Queen Catherine sends a message.
{I hereby renounce your engagement to Griselda for you have
proven to be unworthy of her.}

-------------
Cluster: 2974
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29741
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
Sire! Griselda is gravely ill. She drank some ancient Cognac
and now we cannot awaken her.}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Phi: node 29742
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire, Griselda is gone! She left a note. It says:
'What did you expect, you mental midget?'}
_MMI Phi: node 29743
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Griselda is dead! She left a note. It says:
'Sire, I hope you pay.'}
_MMI Phi: node 29744
Griselda's nurse enters.
Sire, Griselda is greatly recovered, but she could still use a
lift. I think this is a good time to commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
{As you wish.}
_MMI Phi: node 29745
Griselda's nurse enters.
{Sire, Griselda is dead. With her last breaths, she said,
'Make him pay...Make him pay...' Shall I call the royal ceremony
planner?}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Agree.
She nods.
{As you wish.}
She nods.
{I shall send for him.}
_MMI Phi: node 29746
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, I suggest a tower costing 2 Gold to commemorate Princess Griselda.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. A song would cost nothing, but still seem nice.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{It shall be done.}
{Very good, Sire.}
{A song it shall be.}
{Very well, my liege.}
_MMI Phi: node 29747
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You shall pay, Duke. You shall pay.}

-------------
Cluster: 2975
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29751
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, commemorating the princess with a bridge would cost 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. A song, nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{Your judgment is superb. It shall be done.}
{It shall be done, my liege.}
{Very well, my liege.}
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Phi: node 29752
Griselda's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people ooh and ah.
Griselda laughs.
{What fools! I cannot wait to subjugate them to my will.}
_MMI Phi: node 29753
Griselda's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people jeer and throw peat moss. The mob turns into
a rioting throng.
Griselda laughs.
{Finally, I'm having some fun!}
_MMI Phi: node 29759 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 2981
-------------

_MMI Cha: node 29811
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I have considered your request, and I consent to let you marry my
third daughter, Priscilla. She will soon come to call.}
_MMI Phi: node 29816
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess
Priscilla, to Henri, Duke of Anjou. It is unfortunate you
missed your chance.}
Priscilla, to Ramiro, King of Aragon. It is unfortunate
you missed your chance.}
Priscilla, to Charles, King of Valois. It is unfortunate you
missed your chance.}
_MMI Phi: node 29818
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am sorry you are too dim to appreciate my daughters. I
shall never offer you anything again.}

-------------
Cluster: 2982
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29821
Your newly betrothed Priscilla arrives. She has the face of a
goat and the body of a child, but she has a gorgeous neck.
{Sire, together, we shall make this kingdom great. Let us lower
taxes and liberate the people! They will be forever loyal.}

[a] Agree.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Priscilla sighs:
{Sire, you are noble indeed!}
Priscilla flushes.
{I thought you were kind. Now I don't know what to believe.
Good day.}
Priscilla flushes.
{I understand.}
_MMI Phi: node 29822
Priscilla enters. She holds her chin high.
{Henri of Anjou and I are in love. Please show your love and
free me.}

{Sire, I must go. Ramiro of Aragon and I love each
other very much, and we wish to wed.}
{Sire, I am sorry, but I am in love with Charles of Valois.
I must be with him. Please free me.}

Do you:
[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
She kisses you.
{Bless you, Sire, and farewell.}
She turns white.
{Sire, I am devastated.}
_MMI Phi: node 29823
Queen Catherine visits.
{Duke, the engagement is off. Your lowly kingdom is not worthy of my
fair Priscilla. Good day.}
_MMI Phi: node 29824
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{I love Priscilla and Priscilla loves me. Won't you be
kind and set her free?}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{I request that you free Princess Priscilla. For her, I will
give you 100 of my fastest steeds.}

A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Free Princess Priscilla, or I will slash your face to
ribbons.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{Sire, thou are truly great. We shall soon set our
wedding date.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Bless you for freeing Priscilla. The steeds are
on their way.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Enjoy your handsome face while it lasts. You were
wise to free her.}
A message arrives from Henri of Anjou.
{You will not let Priscilla go, so I shall be
your mortal foe.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{I am very disappointed that you will not free
Priscilla. I thought we were friends.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Kiss your face goodbye.}
_MMI Phi: node 29826
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with 100 jesters costs 2 Gold. One with scented canaries costs
1 Gold. Which shall it be?}

[a] Jesters.
[b] Canaries.
[c] Nothing.
{Excellent choice, Sire. It shall be done.}
{I shall begin preparations.}
{But Sire, the people love Priscilla. You will look bad if
you don't have a parade.}

Do you choose:
[a] Jesters - 2 Gold.
[b] Canaries - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He smiles.
{I am very pleased. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{Very well, my liege.}
He sighs:
{I understand, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 2983
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29831
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss roses at you and your betrothed.
Priscilla shouts:
{Rejoice, o' people of Burgundy! When I am Queen, we shall all
share alike. All men will be equal! And no more taxes!}
Your stomach churns as you watch the villagers cheer and lift her
on their shoulders.
_MMI Phi: node 29832
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The villagers hurl
rotten chard at you and Priscilla. She shouts:
{You may despise me now, but when we eliminate all taxes, you
shall love your Queen!}
The people jeer. Your sigh goes unnoticed by Priscilla.
_MMI Phi: node 29833
Priscilla strides in.
{Sire, the people are unhappy because there has been no parade.
Isn't it time to have one?}
Do you:
[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{You are kind indeed.}
She looks you in the eye.
{I pray your people don't turn against you.}
_MMI Phi: node 29834
Queen Catherine arrives.
{How dare you have no parade? Priscilla is very popular and
influential. She must be honored!}

[a] Give in.
[b] Refuse.
She sighs.
{I am glad you changed your mind.}
{Duke, you will regret this!}
_MMI Phi: node 29835
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{A parade with painted ponies costs 2 Gold. One with dancing monkeys
costs 1 Gold. Which do you prefer?}

Do you choose:
[a] Ponies.
[b] Monkeys.
[c] Nothing.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. It shall be done.}
He nods.
{Very good.}
He bows his head.
{As you wish, my liege.}
_MMI Phi: node 29836
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{A tower commemorating Princess Priscilla would cost 2 Gold, a
statue, 1 Gold. A lovely song would cost nothing, but still seem nice.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{Sire, your taste is excellent. It shall be done.}
He smiles.
{Very good, Sire.}
He smiles wryly.
{A song it shall be.}
He frowns.
{I am sorry to hear this, my liege.}
_MMI Phi: node 29837
Queen Catherine sends a message.
{I hereby renounce your engagement to Priscilla. Duke, you are
dim of wit.}

-------------
Cluster: 2984
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29841
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
Sire! Priscilla is gravely ill. She ate some coddled cream this morning,
and now we cannot awaken her!}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
She bows.
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Phi: node 29842
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
{Priscilla is gone! She left a note. It says:
'My soul guides me elsewhere. Farewell, Sire.'}
_MMI Phi: node 29843
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Priscilla is dead! She left a note. It says:
'Farewell, cruel world. I loved you so.'}
_MMI Phi: node 29844
Priscilla's nurse enters.
Priscilla's fate is still uncertain. A spiritual boost would help.
Perhaps you could commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{Very well.}
She nods.
{As you wish.}
_MMI Phi: node 29845
Priscilla's nurse enters.
{Priscilla is dead. With her last breaths, she said,
'Don't pity me. It is lovely here. So bright...'
Do you wish for a commemoration?}

[a] No.
[b] Yes.
She nods.
{As you wish.}
{I shall send for one.}
_MMI Phi: node 29846
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{I suggest commemorating Princess Priscilla with a tower. It would
cost 2 Gold. A statue would cost 1 Gold, and a song would
cost nothing but still seem touching.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
He nods.
{Very good.}
He frowns.
{A song it shall be.}
He frowns.
{Very well, my liege.}
_MMI Phi: node 29847
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I shall never forget you were responsible for this.}

-------------
Cluster: 2985
-------------

_MMI Phi: node 29851
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{I recommend commemorating the princess with a bridge costing 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. Of course, a song costs nothing, but seems
sweet.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{Sire, your judgment is superb. It shall be done.}
He nods.
{It shall be done.}
He frowns.
{It shall be done.}
{But Sire! This will make you appear cruel. Please
reconsider.}

Do you choose:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{I am very pleased.}
He smiles.
{It shall be done.}
He nods.
{As you wish, my liege.}
He frowns.
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Phi: node 29852
Priscilla's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people react with resounding oohs and ahs.
Priscilla beams.
{These truly are my people!}
_MMI Phi: node 29853
Priscilla's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people jeer and throw bottles.
Priscilla sighs.
{Someday they will love me!}
_MMI Phi: node 29859 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 2991
-------------

_Mother May I? Henri
_MMI Hen: node 29911
Queen Catherine calls on you.
{Duke, I have three daughters of marrying age. Your mother and I
have decided that you shall marry the eldest, Prunella.}

[a] Agree.
[b] Ask for another daughter.
[c] Refuse.
She smiles.
{Very good, Henri. Prunella will soon come to call.}
She laughs.
{Just for that, I may retract my offer. You shall hear from
me soon.}
She laughs.
{It's not your choice. The decision has been made.}

[a] Agree.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{Thou art such a good boy. Prunella will soon come
to call.}
She slaps your face.
{You hath insulted my daughter. Consider the engagement
off!}
_MMI Hen: node 29912
A messenger delivers a box of candied cherries.
{Sire, Queen Catherine brings this gift. She says she
will forgive your rude behavior if you wed Prunella.}

Do you:
[a] Accept the gift.
[b] Give it to the messenger.
[c] Send it back.
[d] Agree to get married.
He gives you the cherries.
{Enjoy, Sire.}
He bows.
{Bless you, Sire!}
He nods.
{I shall return them to Queen Catherine.}
{I shall inform Queen Catherine at once.}
_MMI Hen: node 29913
After sampling Queen Catherine's cherries, you break out in a
horrible rash. Finally, a mustard plaster body cast relieves you.
_MMI Hen: node 29914
A messenger you've never seen before enters.
{Sire, I am your new messenger, Gerald. Your former messenger
was found dead this morning, face down in a box of candied
cherries.}
_MMI Hen: node 29915
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You were a bad boy to return my peace offering. Marie shall hear
about this.}
_MMI Hen: node 29916
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess Prunella, to
Charles, King of Valois. Eat thy heart out, Duke.}
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy. Eat thy heart out, Duke.}
Ramiro, King of Aragon. Eat thy heart out, Duke.}
_MMI Hen: node 29917
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You have made the right decision. Prunella will soon
come to call.}
_MMI Hen: node 29918
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I shall never do business with a worm like you again.}

-------------
Cluster: 2992
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 29921
Princess Prunella arrives. She looks at you with lovely, but sad brown eyes.
{Duke, I hope we shall be happy. My mother said I shall stay at the castle
while the engagement parade is prepared. Is that also your wish?}

[a] Let her stay.
[b] Send her home.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Prunella nods glumly.
{Thank you, Sire.}
Prunella smiles.
{As you wish.}
Prunella smiles.
{Thank you, Sire!}
_MMI Hen: node 29922
Prunella enters. She is crying.
{Sire, I have fallen in love with Charles of Valois.
Please free me so we may wed.}
{Sire, I have fallen in love with Phillip of Burgundy.
Please free me so I may marry him.}
{Sire, I have fallen in love with Ramiro of Aragon.
Please free me so I may be his wife.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
Prunella hugs you.
{Oh Sire, you are the kindest!}
{Oh Sire, I just want to die!}
_MMI Hen: node 29923
Queen Catherine visits.
Duke, you can forget the engagement. Your kingdom is practically
worthless. Certainly not worthy of Prunella! If you again rise to
power, I may call on you again.}
_MMI Hen: node 29924
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Free Princess Prunella at once or I shall crush you.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I request that you free Princess Prunella. For her, I will
give you a tureen of jewels.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Count, if you free the fair Princess Prunella, I will give
you 50 serfs. What is your reply?}

Do you:
[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{You were wise to free Prunella. You shall live another
day.}
A tureen of jewels and a message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{Bless you for freeing Prunella. Enjoy the jewels, for
I need them not. I have the brightest gem of all.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{As promised, I am sending 50 serfs. Thank you for Prunella.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Your death will come soon.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I cannot believe you will not free Prunella. I am very
distressed.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Only a fool or a child would keep Prunella from me.
This has severely damaged our relationship.}
_MMI Hen: node 29926
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with bell ringers costs 2 Gold. One featuring trained
crickets costs 1 Gold. What is your wish?}

[a] Bell ringers.
[b] Crickets.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He gasps.
{But Sire! Marie has commanded me to arrange a parade. You
must choose one.}

Do you choose:
[a] Bell ringers - 2 Gold.
[b] Crickets - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He sighs.
{As you wish. I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 29927
Marie enters.
{I do not understand why you are so rude to Prunella.
You must plan the traditional parade at once.}

Do you:
[a] Ignore her.
[b] Plan the parade.
She slaps you.
{Your headstrong behavior will be your downfall.}

-------------
Cluster: 2993
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 29931
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss barley at you and your betrothed.
Prunella can barely manage a smile.
_MMI Hen: node 29932
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The surly
villagers throw peanuts at you and Prunella. She cries:
{I should have joined the circus!}
_MMI Hen: node 29933
Prunella enters. She is crying
{Sire, the people mock me because you haven't held a
parade in my honor. Won't you please show them you love me?}

[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{Thank you, Sire.}
She falls to her knees.
{Oh Sire, I just want to die!}
_MMI Hen: node 29934
Queen Catherine arrives. Her nostrils flare with fury.
{How dare you have no parade? Prunella must be honored! Now!!}

[a] Agree.
[b] Scoff at her.
She glares.
{You had better stop rankling me, Henri.}
She bares her sharp teeth.
{You will be sorry!}
_MMI Hen: node 29935
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, a parade with trained cockatoos costs 2 Gold. One
with 50 lutes costs 1 Gold. Which do you prefer?}

[a] Cockatoos.
[b] Lutes.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
{But Sire, surely you knew a ceremony would cost something.
Why not have a small parade?}

Do you choose:
[a] The small parade.
[b] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 29936
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{Sire, it is time to commemorate Princess Prunella. A tower would
cost 2 Gold, a statue, 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing,
but still be quite touching.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He frowns.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 29937
Queen Catherine sends a message.
{I hereby renounce your engagement to Prunella, and my other daughters
shall never be available for you.}

-------------
Cluster: 2994
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 29941
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
Sire! Prunella ate some currants this morn, and now she has turned
blue!}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I shall notify your mother.}
She bows.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 29942
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
{Prunella is gone! She left this note:
'I am sorry, but I cannot accept the miserable destiny of being your
Queen. Farewell and good luck.'}
_MMI Hen: node 29943
Prunella's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Prunella is dead! She left this note:
'I am sorry, but I could not endure the thought of our marriage. With
death, I find solace in being close to God. Say hello to your mother.'}
_MMI Hen: node 29944
Prunella's nurse enters.
Prunella is greatly recovered, but she could use a spiritual
boost. I think this is a good time to commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
Her eyes avoid yours.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 29945
Prunella's nurse enters.
{Prunella is dead. With her last breaths, she asked for you to
remember her. Shall I call the royal ceremony planner?}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Agree.
She glares.
{As you wish. I shall notify your mother.}

She nods.
{I shall send for him.}
_MMI Hen: node 29946
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{To commemorate Princess Prunella, I suggest a tower costing 2 Gold.
A statue would cost only 1 Gold. A song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. I shall notify your mother.}
He smiles.
{Very good, Sire. I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{A song it shall be. I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I see. I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 29947
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You have gone too far. I hope you roast in Hell.}

-------------
Cluster: 2995
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 29951
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Commemorating the princess with a bridge would cost 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your judgment is superb. I shall notify your mother.}
He smiles.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He smiles.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He frowns.
{As you wish, my liege. I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 29952
Prunella's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people joyously throw sawdust and oats.
Prunella chokes back a sob. She exclaims:
{I shall never forget this day!}
_MMI Hen: node 29953
Prunella's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The jeering people throw stewed prunes.
Horrified, Prunella gasps:
{I want to go home to mother!}
_MMI Hen: node 29959 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 3001
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 30011
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I have considered your request, and I consent to let you marry my
second daughter, Griselda. She will soon come to call.}
_MMI Hen: node 30016
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess Griselda, to
Charles, Count of Valois.}
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy.}
Ramiro, King of Aragon.}
_MMI Hen: node 30018
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{Henri, you are a spoiled child. I shall never do business with
you again.}

-------------
Cluster: 3002
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 30021
Princess Griselda arrives. She is sharp and stylish, with long,
chestnut hair. She says:
{Sire, I am sure our union will be a profitable one. Indeed, I
cannot wait for you to lavish me with my first gift.}

[a] Give her a bauble.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Promise her anything.
You give her a golden harp. She spits on it.
{A harp? That is a plaything for servants. Jewels would
certainly be more appropriate.}

[a] Give her jewels.
[b] Send her home.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Smiling, she dons a diamond tiara.
{I think we shall get along very well.}
She stomps her foot.
{How dare you treat me like a child? Sire, you are
a lout!}
She laughs.
{I wouldn't have married you anyway. You have the face
of a horse and the body of a pig!}
She spits.
{How dare you! Queen Catherine shall hear about this!}
She laughs.
{Promises are sweet, but worthless. I trust you will soon give
me something more tangible.}
_MMI Hen: node 30022
Griselda comes to see you. Her green eyes glow with determination.
{Sire, I love Charles of Valois. He is a true leader who will
someday be King of Bretagne. You must free me.}
{Sire, we must sever our engagement. I love Phillip of
Burgundy. He is so romantic, unlike thou.}
{Sire, I am love with Ramiro of Aragon. I know he is not very
smart, nor powerful, but I love him anyway. You must free me.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
She smiles.
{Sire, you are thoroughly decent.}
She sneers:
{Sire, you show poor judgment indeed.}
_MMI Hen: node 30023
Queen Catherine visits.
{Sire, the engagement is off. Your kingdom is worthless,
but Griselda is not. If you ever rise to power again, maybe then
I shall call on you.}
_MMI Hen: node 30024
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Free Princess Griselda, and I shall give you 200 of my
finest *****s. What is your reply?}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{If you free Princess Griselda so that we may wed, I shall
give you my entire wine cellar.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Please give Griselda to me, for our love is one of destiny.
I will e'er stick by your side if you will let Griselda be my bride.}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{As promised, I am sending 200 *****s. I hope you
will be as happy as myself.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{Bless you for freeing Griselda. Enjoy the wine, for
I need it not. I have the richest intoxicant of all.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Thank you for setting Griselda free. You shall
always get respect from me.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{You are a fool to keep Griselda against her will.
This has severely damaged our relationship.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I am very disappointed that you will not free
Griselda. I thought we were friends.}
A message arrives from Ramiro, King of Aragon.
{You will not let Griselda go, so I shall be
your mortal foe.}
_MMI Hen: node 30026
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with virgin sopranos costs 2 Gold. One with magicians
costs 1 Gold. What is your desire, Sire?}

[a] Virgins.
[b] Magicians.
[c] Nothing.
He smiles.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. It shall be done.}
{I shall begin preparations.}
{But Sire! The people already complain that they scarcely
see you. You must show you are thinking of them.}

Do you choose:
[a] Virgins - 2 Gold.
[b] Magicians - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{I am very pleased. It shall be done.}
{Very good, my liege.}
{Very well, Sire.}
_MMI Hen: node 30027
A messenger arrives.
{Sire, Queen Catherine is distressed that you sent Griselda home.
She says you must plan the traditional parade in honor of the engagement
immediately.}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Plan the parade.
{I shall deliver the message, Sire.}
{I shall notify the royal ceremony planner.}

-------------
Cluster: 3003
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 30031
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss gold coins at you and your betrothed.
Griselda beams:
{This kingdom shall be mine. All mine!}
_MMI Hen: node 30032
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The jeering
villagers hurl eggs at you and Griselda. She spits
on them and shouts:
{Laugh now, fools, for all you own shall soon be mine!}
_MMI Hen: node 30033
Griselda enters.
{Henri, the people are scoffing at me because there has been no
parade. What sort of a man are you anyway? Where is my parade?}

[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She smiles.
{I am glad you came to your senses.}
She sneers:
{You are such a worm.}
_MMI Hen: node 30034
Marie strides in and grabs your cheek.
{How dare you have no engagement parade? You must treat Griselda
with respect!}

[a] Give in.
[b] Refuse.
She releases you.
{You are very wise.}
She shoves you to the floor.
{You are destroying everything!}
_MMI Hen: node 30035
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{A parade with flaming entrails costs 2 Gold. One with dancing
pigs costs 1 Gold. Which shall it be?}

[a] Entrails.
[b] Pigs.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
{But Sire! Why then, did you call me? You simply must
have a parade. Marie has ordered one.}

Do you choose:
[a] Entrails - 2 Gold.
[b] Pigs - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
{Sire, I am glad you reconsidered. I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30036
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{Sire, it is time to commemorate Princess Griselda. A tower would
cost 2 Gold, a statue, 1 Gold. Of course, a song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30037
Queen Catherine sends a message.
I hereby renounce your engagement to Griselda for you have
proven to be unworthy of her.}

-------------
Cluster: 3004
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 30041
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
Sire! Griselda is gravely ill. She ate some leftover
lamb and now we cannot awaken her.}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
She bows.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30042
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire, Griselda is gone! She left a note. It says:
'What did you expect, you worm?'}
_MMI Hen: node 30043
Griselda's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Griselda is dead! She left a note. It says:
'This is the happiest day of my life.'}
_MMI Hen: node 30044
Griselda's nurse enters.
Sire, Griselda is greatly recovered, but she could still use a
lift. I think this is a good time to commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{Very good, Sire.}
She bows.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30045
Griselda's nurse enters.
{Sire, Griselda is dead. With her last breaths, she said,
'Make him pay...Make him pay...' Shall I call the royal ceremony
planner?}

[a] Refuse.
[b] Agree.
She nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
She nods.
{I shall send for him.}
_MMI Hen: node 30046
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, I suggest a tower costing 2 Gold to commemorate Princess Griselda.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. A song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30047
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{You shall pay, Sire. You shall pay.}

-------------
Cluster: 3005
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 30051
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{Sire, commemorating the princess with a bridge would cost 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. A song, nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30052
Griselda's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people ooh and ah.
Griselda laughs.
{What fools! I cannot wait to ruin their lives.}
_MMI Hen: node 30053
Griselda's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people jeer and throw dogs and you and Griselda.
Griselda laughs.
{Finally, I'm having some fun!}
_MMI Hen: node 30059 (END OF PLOT)

-------------
Cluster: 3011
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 30111
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I have considered your request, and I consent to let you marry my
third daughter, Priscilla. She will soon come to call.}
_MMI Hen: node 30116
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am pleased to announce the engagement of my daughter, Princess
Priscilla, to Charles, King of Valois. It is unfortunate you
missed your chance.}
Priscilla, to Phillip, Duke of Burgundy. It is unfortunate
you missed your chance.}
Priscilla, to Ramiro, King of Aragon. It is unfortunate you
missed your chance.}
_MMI Hen: node 30118
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I am sorry my daughters do not meet your high standards. I
shall never offer you anything again.}

-------------
Cluster: 3012
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 30121
Your newly betrothed Priscilla arrives. She looks like an angel,
and she smells great, too.
{Sire, together, we shall make this kingdom great. Let us lower
taxes and liberate the people! They will be forever loyal.}

[a] Agree.
[b] Refuse.
[c] Call off the engagement.
Priscilla kisses and sighs:
{Sire, you are noble indeed!}
Priscilla flushes.
{I thought you were kind. Now I don't know what to believe.
Good day.}
Priscilla flushes.
{I understand.}
_MMI Hen: node 30122
Priscilla enters. She holds her chin high.
{Sire, I am sorry, but I am in love with Charles of Valois.
I must be with him. Please free me.}
{Sire, I must go. Phillip of Burgundy and I love each
other very much, and we wish to wed.}
{Ramiro of Aragon and I are in love. Please show your love and
free me.}

Do you:
[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
She kisses your hand.
{Bless you, Sire, and farewell.}
She turns white.
{Sire, I am devastated.}
_MMI Hen: node 30123
Queen Catherine visits.
{Sire, the engagement is off. Your lowly kingdom is not worthy of my
fair Priscilla. I am sure your mother will be very disappointed.}
_MMI Hen: node 30124
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{Free Princess Priscilla or I shall feed you to the wolves.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I request that you free Princess Priscilla. For her, I will
give you 50 steeds.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{Free Princess Priscilla, and I shall give you 50 milk cows.
What is your reply?}

[a] Free her.
[b] Keep her.
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{You hath dodged an arrow by giving me Priscilla.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{Bless you for freeing Priscilla. The steeds are
on their way.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{As promised, the cows are on the way. Thank you for
freeing Priscilla.}
A message arrives from Charles of Valois.
{You shall die for keeping Priscilla.}
A message arrives from Phillip of Burgundy.
{I am very disappointed that you will not free
Priscilla. I thought we were friends.}
A message arrives from Ramiro of Aragon.
{You will regret not freeing Priscilla.}
_MMI Hen: node 30126
An advisor comes to plan the engagement parade.
{A ceremony with flower dancers costs 2 Gold. One with just flowers costs
1 Gold. Which shall it be?}

[a] Dancers.
[b] Flowers.
[c] Nothing.
{Excellent choice, Sire. I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
{But Sire, the people love Priscilla. They eagerly await
a parade.}

Do you choose:
[a] Dancers - 2 Gold.
[b] Flowers - 1 Gold.
[c] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He sighs:
{I shall notify your mother.}

-------------
Cluster: 3013
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 30131
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The joyous
villagers toss roses at you and your betrothed.
Priscilla shouts:
{Rejoice, o' people of Anjou! When I am Queen, we shall all
share alike. All men will be equal! And no more taxes!}
You ignore Marie's scowl as you admire Priscilla's beauty.
_MMI Hen: node 30132
Today, the royal engagement parade is held. The villagers hurl
rotten beets at you and Priscilla. She shouts:
{You may despise me now, but when we eliminate all taxes, you
shall love your Queen!}
You ignore Marie's scowl as you admire Priscilla's beauty.
_MMI Hen: node 30133
Priscilla strides in.
{Sire, the people are unhappy because there has been no parade.
Isn't it time to have one?}
Do you:
[a] Have a parade.
[b] Refuse.
She kisses you.
{I love you, Sire.}
She looks you in the eye.
{I pray your people don't turn against you.}
_MMI Hen: node 30134
Marie enters and slaps your face.
{How dare you have no parade? Priscilla is very popular and
influential. She must be honored!}

[a] Give in.
[b] Refuse.
She slaps you again.
{I am glad you changed your mind.}
She slaps you again.
{You are a brainless child!}
_MMI Hen: node 30135
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{A parade with costumed sheep costs 2 Gold. One with male chorus
costs 1 Gold. Which do you prefer?}

Do you choose:
[a] Sheep.
[b] Chorus.
[c] Nothing.
{Sire, your judgment is unsurpassed. I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30136
The royal ceremony planner arrives.
{A tower commemorating Princess Priscilla would cost 2 Gold, a
statue, 1 Gold. A lovely song would cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He frowns.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30137
Queen Catherine sends a message.
I hereby renounce your engagement to Priscilla. Henri, you are
a spoiled child.}

-------------
Cluster: 3014
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 30141
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
Sire! Priscilla is gravely ill. She ate some candied violets this morning,
and now we cannot awaken her!}

[a] Send for a doctor.
[b] Ignore it.
She bows.
{I'll fetch him right away.}
She bows.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30142
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
{Priscilla is gone! She left a note. It says:
'My soul guides me elsewhere. Farewell, Sire.'}
_MMI Hen: node 30143
Priscilla's handmaiden runs in.
{Sire! Priscilla is dead! She left a note. It says:
'Farewell, cruel world. I loved you so.'}
_MMI Hen: node 30144
Priscilla's nurse enters.
Priscilla's fate is still uncertain. A spiritual boost would help.
Perhaps you could commemorate your engagement.}

[a] Plan a commemoration.
[b] Refuse.
She nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
She nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30145
Priscilla's nurse enters.
{Priscilla is dead. With her last breaths, she said,
'Don't pity me. It is lovely here. So bright...'
Do you wish for a commemoration?}

[a] No.
[b] Yes.
She nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
{I shall send for one.}
_MMI Hen: node 30146
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{I suggest commemorating Princess Priscilla with a tower. It would
cost 2 Gold. A statue would cost 1 Gold, and a song would
cost nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A tower.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He frowns.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He frowns.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30147
A message from Queen Catherine arrives.
{I shall never forget you were responsible for this.}

-------------
Cluster: 3015
-------------

_MMI Hen: node 30151
The royal ceremony planner enters.
{I recommend commemorating the princess with a bridge costing 2 Gold.
A statue would cost 1 Gold. Of course, a song costs nothing.}

Do you order:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
{Sire, your judgment is superb. I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He frowns.
{I shall notify your mother.}
{But Sire! Princess Priscilla will be distressed. Please
reconsider.}

Do you choose:
[a] A bridge.
[b] A statue.
[c] A song.
[d] Nothing.
He smiles.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He smiles.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He nods.
{I shall notify your mother.}
He frowns.
{I shall notify your mother.}
_MMI Hen: node 30153
Priscilla's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people react with resounding oohs and ahs.
Priscilla beams.
{These truly are my people!}
_MMI Hen: node 30152
Priscilla's commemoration ceremony is held today.
The people jeer and throw old bath water.
Priscilla sighs.
{Someday they will love me!}
_MMI Hen: node 30159 (END OF PLOT)

[Vanshilar]

I've figured out where the instructions for the plots (i.e. do this if human player selects A, check for that, etc.) are stored in LIB.CLU. They're a bunch of 6-byte lines. There's 80831 of them. So it'll take a while to figure out what they do.

However, I've figured out some basic things, such as the instruction to display lines of text (the lines in the previous 15 posts), and adding player stats such as resources and ability (Adm/Mil/Pol) points. Since Adm points are the hardest to get later on, I thought I'd take a look at how to get them first:

* Marrying Queen Catherine
* If Holy Teuton Empire decides to support you, you gain 5 of each resource and 1 of each ability point (this is one of the best outcomes of all the plots)
* When Alain is on trial, and you select B to appoint a new judge, you'll lose a Pol point but gain an Adm point
* When peasants suspect judge in Aniber is accepting bribes, and you select B to have someone try to bribe him
* In Annonay plot, when you try to deliver 8 gold (and have it), Sir Percy reveals himself, and you accept him into your council, you gain 1 of each ability point
* Etienne plot, when you talk to the Order, and ask for extra support from the guilds
* Etienne plot, when asked "Why was Man created?", one of the results says "a smile comes to his face", in which case you'll gain 1 Adm point and 3 of each resource, then 1 Mil point and 1 Pol point; one of the other results says "smiles", in which case you'll gain 1 Adm point and later 1 Pol point; one of the other results may be that nothing happens
* Random event saying bureaucracy gains abacuses
* Professor offers to lecture, and you pay 5 gold and can raise any one ability point
* There's some oddity with the "state of the kingdom" plot. When you give gold to repair the cathedral or throw a festival, it says you gain Adm points (up to 6 if you give 3 gold). This is patently absurd and doesn't work, so there's likely something in the intervening instructions that hampers this. Just mentioning it because it's in the instructions list
* For the stonemason guild repairing St. Simone, when you threaten the guild with force
* In the Lord Chassaine plot, various ways such as if you successfully ambush Corinn
* For Mercurato plot, if you don't have enough troops and he ends up staying in your court
* For Mercurato plot. if Sir Estes signs treaty with King Qalati, you get 1 Adm point, 1 Pol point, 1 infantry, and 1 archers
* For Mercurato, if you don't have enough gold or food, he cancels the expedition and you gain 1 Adm point, 2 infantry, and 1 archers (you probably lost some of those to the plot at some point)
* For Mercurato, he returns from successful expedition to the Pyramids, and you gain 1 Adm point, 2 infantry, 1 archers, and 10 gold
* Doing bishop's paperwork, there's a number of branches where you gain 1 of each ability point or just 1 Adm point (but you probably lost them somewhere along the line)
* When the town Clouseu heals

Some of these may be inaccurate -- I've figured out less than half of the instructions so far, so there's a lot of stuff that I don't understand yet.

Looking at the outcomes, it seems like the Holy Teuton Empire one, the Annonay one, and the Etienne one have the best outcomes (they all give 1 of each ability point and sometimes some resources too) so I'll look into how those work first.

[Vanshilar]

So an overview of the plots:

The probabilities of seeing each of the plots is as follows:
40% "Main" plots
15% "One-liner" plots
41% "Resource" plots
4% Queen Catherine's daughters plot

Main plots:
Each of the main plots are equally likely. There are 18 of them. Some of them start with a wait time, meaning that by the time you see them, you're already locked into that plot. It also means that if the usual time for a plot comes and goes without a plot starting (the first one starts on May 24, 1312), then you have one of these delayed plots. The 18 main plots are:
Arinseault
Mortain (wait 60 days)
Chamord (wait 60 days)
Catherine's debt
Teuton (wait 40 days)
Denmark (wait 60 days)
Peasant grievances (wait 65 days)
Annonay
Laval barracks (wait 60 days)
Duke of Compagne (wait 60 days)
Castile (wait 60 days)
Roland (wait 60 days)
Chassaine
Mercurato
Officious-looking clerk
Clouseu
Discontented
Etienne

One-liner plots:
These are just humorous anecdotes or random events that give you a few gold or takes a few gold, etc. There are 52 of them.

Resource plots:
There seems to be some sort of check to not give these plots unless you have enough resources. Thus, if these plots are unavailable, the plot script goes back and chooses another. These plots basically take resources and give happiness. There are 13 of them. They are:
Illness ("terrible plague has hit the village")
Plague ("archer complains of shooting pains in his stomach")
Locust ("swarm of locusts is attacking our crops")
Termites ("termites have invaded our lumber supply")
Drought ("serious drought has plagued the village")
Mining accident ("mine tunnels collapsed")
Killer bees ("swarm of killer bees is attacking our people")
Explosion ("explosion at the foundry")
Weapons ("Sir Gunny")
Camouflage ("Sara Thimble")
Dowser ("Madame Zelda")
Genetic Engineer ("Dr. Snodgrass")
Fertilizer ("Sir Vincent")

Queen Catherine's daughters:
There are separate plots for each of the factions (Valois, Anjou, Burgundy, and Aragon). I'm not sure yet how they differ. Albion cannot have this plot because Albion is married already to Edna.

[Vanshilar]

For those who are interested, I've put up the save game format for the game here:

http://www.shikadi.net/moddingwiki/Castles_II:_Siege_and_Conquest_Save_Game_Format

If you have any questions about the save game data, please let me know.

[Vanshilar]

I've (mostly) figured out how the initial map creation process works, and put the results in a graphic attached here.

Each faction can start in one of 3 possible locations. The Pope starts with 3 territories; each can be at 1 of 4 possible locations. Each of those sets have a different pattern (solid color, horizontal stripes, or vertical stripes).

If the commodities is set to "Balanced", then the resource type is dictated by the castle size in the graphic (no castle, Partial Castle, Small Castle, or Large Castle), with each castle size corresponding to one of the resources. Note that it's not exactly even; there are 10 "Small Castles" and 8 "Large Castles". So once you know one of them, you know where all the territories are for that resource type.

If the commodities is set to "Geographic", then the resource type depends on the type shown in the graphic. An "F" represents plains, which has a 75% chance of being food, otherwise it will be iron or gold (never timber). A "T" represents forest, which has a 75% chance of being timber, otherwise it will be iron or gold (never food). A "G" represents mountains, which has a 50% chance of being iron and 50% chance of being gold (never food nor timber).

I didn't look into what if the commodities is set to "Random", I assume then the resources are randomly generated but didn't verify this.

The numbers are the territory ID's. You can see this order if you tab through the territories during the game. (Beware though, if you tab during a plot or other actions while the lower right window is active, you may break the game including breaking any save games saved after doing so.)

Since gold is the most important resource, if you're playing on "Geographic", then Valois is probably the best option since it puts you close to the largest number of mountain territories. Just make sure you scout ahead so you know which one is the Pope.

[Vanshilar]

In Castles 2: Siege and Conquest, copy protection takes the form of occasional questions about random things from the manual like how many points does a castle need to have to prevent a territory from revolting. They're not that hard to memorize, but if you want to disable them, follow these steps:

1. Open up LIB.CLU in your favorite hex editor.
2. Go to bytes 0xB4BBC to 0xB4BC1. The values should be "04 40 2F 4C 00 00" (in hexadecimal). Alternatively, you can just search for this sequence of byte values, as there are only two of them.
3. Change the value "2F" into "2D".
4. Save the file and play! If copy protection comes up during the course of the game, you'll simply get the "Thank you, Majesty" message for successfully completing the copy protection.

Node 19500 in LIB.CLU is the "plot" that gets activated when doing the copy protection. It usually goes to node 19503 ("2F 4C"), which then goes to the appropriate question to ask. This change moves it instead to node 19501, which is when you successfully answer the copy protection question.

[starfiretbt]

I'm glad somebody posted the plots to this game, how do I read them? For example I see the plots and their response but where does the plot continue? I thought those words "NODE" referred to the rest of the plot if you gave a specific response, but I can't find the second NODE corresponding to the response.
I'm trying to complete the plots in a manner that succeeds.

[Smiling Spectre]

Um, where do you see the plots?

[Vanshilar]

I'm glad somebody posted the plots to this game, how do I read them?

What's posted is the text displayed to the user from the plots. The code that controls what happens wasn't posted, although they're in the same file (LIB.CLU). I never figured out all of the code, however I figured out roughly 80% of it, good enough to get a decent handle on how it works. When you make each choice, there's sometimes some stat checking, then it'll move you to the node corresponding to the next part of the plot. You can figure out which node most of the plots go by context, though you'd have to look at the LIB.CLU code to see the stat checking. If you have a specific one in mind let me know and I can tell you what happens to it.

Um, where do you see the plots?

The plots are taken from the file LIB.CLU. It contains the text displayed to the user (posted here) as well as some code giving the logic for which node to go to depending on the state of the game, i.e. depending on your Adm/Mil/Pol or your resources, etc.

[starfiretbt]

I didn't have notifications turned on so I didn't see everybody's responses until now.
I tried opening a file called "LIB" and it says it's a type "CLU" file so I assume that's what your talking about, but it seems to be in another language. How do you read it?
EDIT: By the way, thank you for responding.

[Vanshilar]

I posted about how to read LIB.CLU here: https://moddingwiki.shikadi.net/wiki/Castles_II:_Siege_and_Conquest_Cluster_Format

I know that the description there might be a bit "dense", it takes a bit of playing around with it to see what I meant. To help, you can search LIB.CLU for "Annonay", where the text just happens to be unencrypted (because the cluster ID value just happens to line up to where no text changes), to get an idea of how the file is saved. From there you can try decoding the actual plot instructions if you want; I had gotten through quite a bit of it, but never posted about it because I never finished it. Let me know if you want help with that.

Note that on the same website, I also posted about how the save game file is stored, in case you want to edit the save game files.